IPL Auction 2025: INR 50 crore! Rishabh Pant's true mega auction value revealed

Following India’s crushing 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali turned the spotlight on the one player who shone brightly in the difficult situation, and he is none other than star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.

Despite India's struggles on spin-dominant pitches against New Zealand, Rishabh Pant delivered commendable performances throughout the three-match Test series. Even in the third Test, Pant made 60 runs in the first innings, following up with a resilient 64 in the second in Mumbai.

Basit Ali praises India’s lone warrior Rishabh Pant amid the Test series defeat against New Zealand

The left-handed batter single-handedly provided India a fighting chance, but they eventually suffered a 25-run defeat in the third and final Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. On surfaces where India’s entire batting line-up struggled, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Pant appeared unphased, adapting to the conditions with ease that others failed to emulate.

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Basit Ali was stunned by Rishabh Pant’s ability to maneuver around New Zealand’s tactical bowling, calling it nothing short of a masterclass. He highlighted Pant’s exceptional shot selection, pointing out how the Indian star sidestepped high-risk areas, focusing on his strengths, and punishing New Zealand’s bowlers with remarkable precision.

Pant’s resilience and audacious style left a lasting impression on the former Pakistan selector, who predicted that the left-handed batter has such talent and skills that he can fetch INR 50 crore at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.

Rishabh Pant should go for 50 crore at the auction: Basit Ali

Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Rishabh Pant scored 60 in the first inning and 64 in the second. What can I say about this kid? People might say he’s worth 25 crore, but in my opinion, he should go for 50 crore. When he was batting on this surface, it looked as if it was a flat pitch—he was hitting wherever he wanted. But he was very smart with his shot selection, knowing not to play shots in areas where he’s weak. Others didn’t manage to do this.”

Notably, Delhi Capitals (DC) didn’t retain Rishabh Pant as their captain ahead of the IPL 2025, and that’s reportedly the reason behind the Indian star going into the auction pool.

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Pant joined the ranks of elite hitters by reaching the coveted milestone of 50 sixes in the World Test Championship (WTC). Before Pant, only Ben Stokes and Rohit Sharma achieved this feat.

Life is a series of seasons: Pant on India's Test series whitewash

After a controversial dismissal in the third Test that contributed to India's defeat against New Zealand in Mumbai, Rishabh Pant finally broke his silence, sharing his thoughts on the embarrassing Test series defeat. The 26-year-old was clearly disappointed but emphasized his determination to help India recover from the setback.

Reflecting on the experience, Pant acknowledged the need to embrace both triumphs and setbacks, as it is part of the journey forward. Pant posted on X: “Life is a series of seasons. When you're down, remember that growth happens in cycles. Embrace the lows, knowing they are preparing you for the highs.”