Rishabh Pant is set to be a high-profile player in the 2025 IPL mega auction after Delhi Capitals (DC) decided not to retain him. According to ESPNcricinfo, lengthy discussions between Pant and DC’s ownership group, GMR Group and JSW Sports, ultimately ended without an agreement. DC has instead opted to retain four players: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and uncapped keeper-batter Abishek Porel.
The franchise surprised many by deciding not to retain Rishabh Pant, who joined DC in 2016 and became captain in 2022, despite expectations that he would be a top retention. The retention will cost DC INR 47 crore of their INR 120 crore budget, leaving them INR 73 crore for the auction. DC also holds two Right to Match (RTM) cards and plans to attempt to buy back Pant, who became an essential player over the years and led DC in 44 matches. During his captaincy from 2021 to 2024 (excluding 2023 due to an injury), DC secured 24 wins, with Pant scoring 1,205 runs at a 35.44 average and 143.96 strike rate. His overall IPL stats are similarly impressive, maintaining a 35.31 average and a 148.93 strike rate.
Reportedly, internal disagreements over Pant’s leadership influenced the decision to release him, despite his efforts to share ideas for the team’s direction. Both co-owners held personal meetings with Pant, but they were unable to reach a consensus on his future with the franchise. As DC now enters the auction with plans to potentially repurchase Pant, the team also faces the possibility of selecting a new captain if that effort is unsuccessful.
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