In an exciting development for fans of the Delhi Capitals, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is all set to be retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. This news comes on the heels of Pant’s spectacular century in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he scored an impressive 109 runs, further solidifying his position as a key player for the team.
Speculation Put to Rest
Rumors had circulated about potential differences between Pant and the team’s management regarding his retention fee, which had raised concerns among fans about his continued presence with the franchise. However, sources within the Delhi Capitals’ ownership group have confirmed that Pant will be the franchise’s top retention choice.
This decision was finalized following a recent meeting between Rishabh Pant and co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce the official retention rules, insiders suggest that Pant’s current IPL salary of INR 16 crore may increase based on the total player purse allowed and the retention fee guidelines set by the BCCI.
A Stellar Comeback
Rishabh Pant’s return to competitive cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. After missing the entire 2023 season due to an unfortunate accident, he has shown no signs of slowing down. His sharpness behind the wickets and his creative batting style were on full display during his century at Chepauk. In the 2024 IPL season, Pant accumulated 446 runs in 13 matches at an impressive strike rate of 155, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s most explosive players.
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Pant is not only a dynamic player but also holds the record as the all-time leading run-scorer for Delhi Capitals, amassing a total of 3,284 runs in 111 matches. His contributions have been pivotal for the franchise, making him an indispensable asset as they prepare for future competitions.
Other Retention Plans
In addition to Rishabh Pant, it appears that Delhi Capitals management is finalizing plans for other key retentions. If BCCI regulations allow more than five players to be retained, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be kept by the franchise. Additionally, overseas players Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are likely candidates for retention. If uncapped players can also be retained, 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel is anticipated to be included.
The co-owners of Delhi Capitals, GMR and JSW Groups, manage the franchise alternately in two-year periods. Currently, GMR Group is at the helm. While each co-owner has autonomy over team management decisions, retention and auction strategies are made jointly as part of a mutual agreement.
As previously reported, there has been a delay in announcing retention rules; however, it is expected that these will be revealed soon. The two-day auction is scheduled for late November and will take place overseas, with London and various cities in the Middle East being considered as potential venues.
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