IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant becomes top target for LSG, PBKS as franchises to go all-out for him
Star India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is expected to go for a high bid at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. According to the reports, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings are set to go all-out for Pant in the upcoming auction.
Both the teams will be expected to bid high for Pant if Delhi Capitals decide not to retain him. According to TOI, Delhi Capitals are still not certain to retain Rishabh Pant ahead of the upcoming mega auction.
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Will Delhi Capitals retain Rishabh Pant?
Earlier, the JSW group had suggested that Rishabh Pant will be their top retention but the decision of Delhi Capitals is not yet final. The reason for their uncertainty is the major change in the management of the franchise.
Earlier, JSW used to function for Delhi Capitals but according to the agreement, Delhi Capitals' other co-owner GMR group is set to run the franchise now from the upcoming season.
Due to the change in management, Pant's name in the retention list is being discussed now and the decision to retain him will rely on the new management run by the GMR group. Hemang Badani was recently appointed the team's new head coach by the new management.
Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings set sights on Rishabh Pant
Due to the uncertainty of Delhi Capitals, various franchises are eyeing to sign Rishabh Pant in the upcoming mega auction. The franchises are waiting for a final decision on DC's retention list so that they can plan to acquire Pant's services.
According to the reports, teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings are the top teams who will look to sign Rishabh Pant. Both these teams are desperately looking for a long-term captain and Pant can be a perfect addition to their teams.
Recently, reports have emerged that Lucknow Super Giants are set to part ways with KL Rahul, who is their current captain. Sources have claimed that LSG team management is unhappy with Rahul's strike rate, which is the major reason why they don't want him in the squad anymore.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings are also looking for a captain since Shikhar Dhawan has retired from the game. They will be looking to make a solid squad from scratch and are also looking for a new long-term captain.
A player of Pant's caliber is no doubt a huge advantage for any team. As a result, it is likely that Pant's name will start a bidding war among the franchises. But it all depends on whether he will be released by Delhi Capitals or not.
Pant has been associated with Delhi Capitals ever since his Indian Premier League debut. The wicketkeeper-batter has played 111 matches so far and scored 3284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93.
He is a game-changer in any format of the game which is the reason why he is likely to fetch a high price in the auction. Adding to this, Pant is also a key member of the Indian team in various formats of the game.
