Delhi Capitals’ head coach Hemang Badani recently provided insights into the franchise’s inability to retain Rishabh Pant, contradicting earlier statements by co-owner Parth Jindal. While Jindal claimed that Pant’s exit was unrelated to money, Badani alleged that Pant wanted to test his worth in the auction.
Pant, who was retained by the Capitals for INR 18 crore, believed his value exceeded the retention cap. During the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Lucknow Super Giants secured Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, making him the costliest signing in IPL history.
‘He Wanted to Test the Market’
According to Badani, Pant was determined to enter the auction despite efforts by Delhi Capitals to retain him. “He wanted to test the market, believing he could fetch more than INR 18 crore,” Badani stated on Subramaniam Badrinath’s YouTube channel.
The franchise engaged in extensive discussions with Pant, involving numerous calls and messages, but the wicketkeeper-batter remained firm. As predicted, the market validated Pant’s belief in his worth when Lucknow Super Giants outbid Delhi Capitals, offering INR 27 crore.
Contrasting Perspectives on the Exit
Pant had previously dismissed rumors that his departure was financially motivated, stating on social media that his retention was not about money. Echoing this sentiment, Jindal attributed the exit to differences over feedback provided to Pant, suggesting he made an emotional decision.
Jindal highlighted Pant’s strong association with the franchise, which had nurtured him since his early career. Despite these differing narratives, Badani’s revelations paint a picture of a player confident in his value, ultimately making a strategic move that reshaped IPL history.
While Delhi Capitals may miss Pant’s contributions, his record-breaking auction price underlines his standing as a top-tier player in the IPL.
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