He is one of the few Indian players in the auction who has the experience of leading a side.
Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Suresh Raina has made an explosive prediction about a current India star earning a big payday in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction.
Ex-Delhi Capitals captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is expected to be a hot commodity at the mega-auction in Jeddah and Suresh Raina feels his entry into the auction will spark a bidding war, helping Pant earn a lucrative contract.
Speaking to TOI, Raina said, “He is a (DC) captain, gun player, gun wicketkeeper. If you look at his brand value, he is good for endorsement…So he should get (the money) as well — Rs 25, 30 (crore), whatever he deserves,” added the former cricketer.
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Suresh Raina predicts Rishabh Pant will surpass Mitchell Starc’s amount
During last year’s mini-auction, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc set a new record as the most expensive player, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) securing him for INR 24.75 crore. This surpassed the previous record held by his Australian teammate and captain, Pat Cummins, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.50 crore. Raina anticipates that Pant will attract a higher bid due to his all-round utility.
Apart from his glovesmanship, Pant will be one of the few Indian players in the auction who have the experience of leading a side, a role in which a number of franchises are expected to be looking for. The likes of Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are a few of the teams who will definitely have their eyes on the 27-year-old.
With several teams eager to sign an Indian captain, the outcome will largely depend on the auction dynamics, with teams needing to carefully manage their remaining budgets.
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