IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant set to join RCB as Delhi Capitals denies captaincy

With just a week remaining for all the franchises to finalize their retention lists for the IPL 2025, the spotlight is on the Delhi Capitals (DC) as the upcoming season can see a new captain leading the side.

According to media reports, Rishabh Pant is unlikely to be retained as captain by the Delhi Capitals (DC), so the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is set to enter the IPL 2025 mega auction next month.

RCB eyes Rishabh Pant as Delhi Capitals (DC) look for new captain for IPL 2025

A Times of India report claimed that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are closely monitoring the situation. With Rishabh Pant potentially available to grab, the RCB may make a bold move to secure his services for the upcoming IPL 2025.

The current Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul is also expected to go under the hammer in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, giving the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team management multiple options to strengthen their squad.

As the countdown to the retention deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Delhi Capitals' (DC) decisions regarding Pant, as the RCB is reportedly aiming to sign the Indian star, as he can offer them both options as the captain and wicketkeeper.

Rishabh Pant and the DC owners not on the same page regarding captaincy

Reportedly, Rishabh Pant and the DC owners are not on the same page on the captaincy discussions. While the talented wicketkeeper-batter is eager to lead the DC in the IPL, the current DC team management is not ready to continue with Pant as the skipper.

These differences could lead to Pant's potential exit from the DC, and it could mark a new chapter in his career, as he has been part of the Delhi-based franchise since his IPL debut in 2016. Unless DC accepts Pant’s demand, he is set to enter the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, where interest in him is expected to be fierce.

With multiple franchises, including the LSG, RCB, and Punjab Kings (PBKS), looking for a new captain and depth in their squads, Pant will surely be one of the most sought-after players at the mega auction. Well, the RCB is in need of both a middle-order wicketkeeper and a captain, and they are looking at Pant as an ideal candidate to sign once he leaves the DC.

Rishabh Pant perfectly fits in the RCB's demand ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction

With Dinesh Karthik announcing his retirement from the game, RCB immediately needs a wicketkeeper-cum-finisher, and Pant fits perfectly in that role, apart from his leadership skills, which will be a bonus for them. Additionally, KL Rahul is also expected to join the auction pool, and he is also on the radar of RCB.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS), whose new head coach is Ricky Ponting, may also influence Pant’s decision on picking the team if he and DC part ways ahead of the mega auction. Pant and Ponting share a great relationship, thanks to their time together at the DC, and it will play a key role in his move.

On the other hand, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are almost sure not to retain Shreyas Iyer, so the Mumbai Indians (MI) will be the only team to retain at least 4-5 key players, given their star-studded roster. So, the upcoming auction will be an exhilarating spectacle for the fans.