As Rishabh Pant heads into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, fans and franchises alike are buzzing with excitement. The star Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who has been with the Delhi Capitals (DC) since his IPL debut in 2016, has surprisingly not been retained.
With Pant’s explosive batting and charismatic leadership qualities, many teams are expected to bid aggressively for him. Although DC holds a Right to Match (RTM) card, rumors of internal rifts may lead them to let Pant go, opening the door for other franchises. Here, we explore the franchises that could make a serious attempt to secure Pant in the 2025 auction.
3 franchises who can go for Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2025 mega auction
1. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Armed with the largest auction purse of ₹110.50 crore, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will enter the 2025 auction in a strong financial position. The team has also made a strategic addition to their coaching staff by bringing in Ricky Ponting as head coach. Ponting’s previous coaching experience with Pant during his tenure at DC could give Punjab an advantage, as he knows the young batter’s strengths and leadership potential well. With Ponting’s guidance, PBKS might consider building their team around Pant as both a premier batsman and a captain.
Notably, PBKS have struggled with finding a consistent leader, and Pant’s dynamic approach could be the key to filling this void. His aggressive playing style could boost Punjab’s middle order, giving them the firepower they’ve often lacked in crunch situations. If Pant joins PBKS, he would not only strengthen their batting lineup but also bring a level of intensity and fearlessness that could change the team’s fortunes in crucial matches.
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2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have historically been among the most strategic and steady franchises in the IPL, known for grooming strong leaders under MS Dhoni‘s guidance. Pant’s aggressive middle-order batting and wicketkeeping skills have long made him a player that CSK admires. He possesses a similar match-winning quality and calm under pressure, traits that are reminiscent of Dhoni himself.
If CSK secures Pant, they will face an intriguing choice: whether to name him the new captain or continue with Ruturaj Gaikwadwho has shown promise as a leader. Pant’s experience as DC’s captain in three IPL seasons makes him a strong candidate for the role, and his natural flair and energy could align well with CSK’s culture of calculated aggression. Moreover, a move to CSK could allow Pant to learn directly from Dhoni, potentially shaping him into a long-term leader for the franchise and carrying on the legacy in the post-Dhoni era.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
With the departures of Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik (retired), RCB are in search of a new captain and wicketkeeper-batter for IPL 2025. Pant, with his age, experience, and leadership potential, seems an ideal fit for the Bangalore-based franchise. His aggressive, high-risk playing style would complement RCB’s established power hitters, creating a dynamic middle order that could be among the most feared in the league.
RCB’s management is likely to view Pant as more than just a player. He represents a valuable long-term investment who could lead the team into a successful new era. After the retirement of Virat Kohli from captaincy, RCB have been looking for a stable leader to take the franchise forward. Pant, with his charisma and skill, could be the face of RCB’s next generation. His arrival could bring a fresh approach to the franchise, setting the foundation for a strong future and potentially driving RCB to their first-ever IPL title.
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