Delhi Capitals (DC) are reportedly unlikely to use one of their six retention slots for Rishabh Pant ahead of the IPL Mega Auction, with the 18th season set for 2025. The deadline for franchises to submit their retained player lists is October 31.
Rishabh Pant has been with Delhi Capitals since 2016, when the franchise secured him in a bidding war against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹1.90 crores. Despite the team’s struggles, he was named Emerging Player of the Year in 2018.
After making his T20I debut in 2017, Pant became a key player for India and was appointed captain of the franchise in 2021. He missed the 2023 IPL season due to a serious car accident but returned this year as one of the top run-scorers for Delhi Capitals, who finished sixth in the points table.
According to a report from the Times of India, Rishabh Pant will be released by the Capitals franchise and entered into the auction pool, marking the end of a nine-year association. The report also indicates that the Capitals aim to re-sign former player and captain Shreyas Iyer from the auction.
The 2020 finalists have reportedly opted for four retentions: Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel, the latter being their uncapped player. Additionally, the Capitals will have two Right to Match (RTM) cards available during the auction.
Rishabh Pant was listed among the prominent players expected to enter the auction this time
Rishabh Pant was noted as a significant departure from one of the IPL franchises. Team India batter KL Rahul and former IPL-winning captain Shreyas Iyer are also expected to be released and enter the auction.
Reports indicate that Rahul has left Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for personal and professional reasons, but no explanation has been given for Iyer’s potential entry into the auction. The deadline for all franchises to submit their retention lists is October 31 at 5 PM IST.
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