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Rishabh Pant may enter IPL auction as Delhi Capitals undergo significant changes for the 2025 season

Rishabh Pant, the long-time Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper, is reportedly set to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Pant, who has only represented the Delhi franchise throughout his IPL career, may no longer be viewed as part of the team's leadership plans. This development comes amid significant structural changes within the franchise, including departures of key personnel from the backroom staff.

Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, previously associated with Delhi Capitals in senior roles, have exited the franchise. These changes suggest a shift in the franchise’s strategy, not only in management but also within the playing squad. According to The Times of India, Pant is highly likely to be part of the upcoming mega auction, attracting attention from several franchises.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is reportedly leading the race to acquire Pant, viewing him as a potential leader to bolster their squad. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have also expressed interest in securing Pant, with an eye on making him their captain.

Conflicting Signals on Pant’s Retention

The news of Pant's potential departure contradicts earlier statements by Delhi Capitals' co-owner, Parth Jindal. In a recent interview with IANS, Jindal hinted at Pant being retained for the 2025 IPL season. He had also named several players likely to continue with the franchise, including Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Khaleel Ahmed.

“Yes, we have to retain. We have some very good players in our team. The rules have just come out, so decisions will be made after discussions with GMR and our director of cricket,” Jindal said.

Jindal’s comments included a specific mention of Pant: “Rishabh Pant will be retained. We also have Axar Patel, who is excellent, along with Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed.” However, the latest reports regarding Pant's auction participation contradict this assurance.

New Leadership at Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals' decision-making structure has seen an overhaul, with Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao recently appointed as Head Coach (IPL) and Director of Cricket (IPL), respectively. These new appointments suggest that DC is undergoing a reset, both in management and in its on-field setup. The franchise appears to be preparing for a fresh direction, which could explain their willingness to release key players like Pant into the auction pool.

Franchises Preparing for Mega Auction Strategies

Pant is going to draw fierce bidding wars during the mega auction. RCB, LSG, and PBKS are looking to buy him as captain because of his leadership experience and explosive batting capabilities. They are searching for a leader who can push them toward success in IPL.

By the end of this month, retention lists should be submitted, so franchises' plans will soon have to be finalised. It only remains to be seen if the Delhi Capitals will release Pant or if he will continue to feature as an integral part of the side.

Conclusion

The possible move of Rishabh Pant to the IPL mega auction brings a new dimension to the build-up of the 2025 season. Long associated with Delhi Capitals, the development is all the more surprising. When other teams watch the franchise reshape its management and playing unit, the future for Pant will be eagerly watched.

If these are all true, Pant could soon captain a new franchise. His leadership skills and explosive batting will make him one of the most sought-after players in the auction. The coming days will give much clearer ideas on Pant and the changes in the dynamics at Delhi Capitals with the nearing finalisation of retention lists.