Rishabh Pant: The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation after Rishabh Pant, one of the IPL’s most dynamic players, hinted at a potential fallout with the Delhi Capitals (DC) management ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant’s recent comments and DC’s overhaul of its leadership and roster have raised questions about the franchise’s direction and the reasons behind parting ways with their long time wicketkeeper batter and captain.
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Rishabh Pant Hints at Rift with Delhi Capitals Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction: What Really Happened?
Rishabh Pant Addresses His Release: “It Wasn’t About the Money”
Pant, who has been a cornerstone for Delhi Capitals since 2016, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address rumors surrounding his release. While it was initially speculated that his high retention fee demand led to his exit, Pant clarified, “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure, that I can say.”
This statement has left fans speculating whether deeper issues between Pant and DC’s management influenced the decision. The situation remains murky, with neither Pant nor the franchise providing detailed explanations.
Delhi Capitals Overhaul Ahead of IPL 2025
Ahead of the 18th edition of the IPL, Delhi Capitals underwent significant changes:
- Leadership Shift: The men’s team will now be managed by the GMR Group until 2026, while co-owner JSW Group focuses on the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
- Coaching and Management Changes:
- Ricky Ponting was replaced by Hemang Badani as head coach.
- Venugopal Rao succeeded Sourav Ganguly as DC’s Director of Cricket.
- New Retention Strategy: DC retained four players with a purse of ₹76.25 crore remaining for the mega auction.
Delhi Capitals IPL 2025 Retention List
| Player | Retention Fee |
|---|---|
| Axar Patel | ₹16.50 crore |
| Kuldeep Yadav | ₹13.25 crore |
| Tristan Stubbs | ₹10 crore |
| Abhishek Porel (uncapped) | ₹4 crore |
This retention strategy suggests a shift in DC’s focus toward rebuilding a balanced and cost-effective squad, possibly signaling their intent to start afresh after an underwhelming IPL 2024 campaign.
Pant vs DC: What Went Wrong?
Several factors point to a strained relationship between Pant and DC management:
- Social Media Stir: Pant reportedly posted a midnight tweet asking fans to speculate his potential auction price. This could have irked the management, viewing it as unprofessional amidst retention talks.
- Strategic Reset: The decision to let go of a marquee player and captain hints at DC’s desire for a fresh start, possibly driven by internal dynamics or performance evaluations.
- Management Reshuffle: With new leadership and coaching personnel, DC might have chosen to part ways with Pant as part of their larger restructuring plans.
What’s Next for Rishabh Pant?
Pant’s release places him among the most sought-after players for the IPL 2025 auction. Franchises will be eager to bid for his explosive batting and captaincy potential. His availability also opens up opportunities for him to forge a new chapter with a team that aligns with his ambitions.
DC’s Strategy for IPL 2025
With ₹76.25 crore in their auction purse and the option to use the Right-to-Match (RTM) card for two players, Delhi Capitals are well-positioned to build a formidable squad. The big question remains: will they attempt to bring Pant back at the auction or focus entirely on new prospects?
Rishabh Pant’s departure marks a significant moment for Delhi Capitals as they head into a new era. For Pant, it’s a chance to rejuvenate his IPL career with a fresh start. While fans eagerly await clarity on the matter, one thing is certain, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be an electrifying season, with Pant’s next move being one of its most intriguing storylines.
FAQs
Why was Rishabh Pant not retained by Delhi Capitals?
Rishabh Pant hinted that his release was not about money but due to other issues with DC management
Who are the key players retained by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025?
DC retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel
