Cricketbuzztoday: Rishabh Pant, India’s wicketkeeper and aggressive left-handed batter, has been reported to be Delhi Capitals’ (DC) first retention choice. Earlier, there were rumours that the DC might release Pant in the upcoming IPL auction. But after scoring a scintillating century against Bangladesh in Chennai on 21st September the rumours about his release have come to an end and is now reported to be the first retention choice of DC.
Pant’s Retention Confirmed By Delhi Capitals
In a recent meeting the Delhi Capitals’ ownership confirmed Pant’s retention and he will be the franchise’s top retention choice. The decision was made after a meeting between Pant and DC co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai.
Pant’s current salary is INR 16 crore. There is an expected rise in the salary of Rishabh subject to the total player purse and new retention guidelines issued.
Remarkable Come Back After The Injury
Rishabh Pant had a serious car accident in 2022. Afterwards, his return to cricket was in question. Although, he didn’t play in IPL 2023 but made a remarkable comeback in IPL 2024 after his injury.
Also Read This: IPL Auction Expected In November
He scored 446 runs in 13 matches at a healthy strike rate of 155. He established himself as a key player. Pant is Delhi Capital’s all-time leading run-score. He has scored 3284 runs in 111 matches since 2016.
No Rift Between Pant And DC Ownership
The media made an air of speculations of a rift between Rishabh and Delhi Capital Ownership for months. But the recent meeting between Pant and co-owner and Pant’s commitment to the franchise has blown away all the rumours.
After Pants century there is no reason for The Delhi Capital’s to release. Pant’s position is solid and will be the first retention choice for the capitals in the auction.
Retention Strategy Of Delhi Capitals
GMR and JSW conglomerates jointly own the Delhi Capitals. GMR and JSW alternate management responsibilities after every two years.
This time GMR group are in command. While JSW manages the team independently. Players retention and other auction matters are made jointly. The collaboration will make sure that Players like Pant stick with the team.
Other Retention Players For IPL 2025
Players like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are reported to be also retained as Indian players. The expected overseas picks are Jake Fraser McGurk and Tristan Stubbs. As far as the uncapped players are concerned, the 21-year-old wicketkeeper batter Abhishek may remain with the team.
Retention Guidelines Awaited To Be Announced
The Indian Cricket Board is yet to announce the retention rules and guidelines for the IPL 2025. All the franchises including Delhi Capital will finalize the retention list after the announcement of guidelines. The auction will be 2 days long to be held in a Middle Eastern country yet to be announced.
Rishabh Pant’s exceptional form and leadership have made him a formidable player for the DC. Although there are different speculations about retention rules, the Delhi Capitals is adamant about retaining its key players including Rishabh.