IPL Auction 2025: Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, or KL Rahul? Ricky Ponting makes his intentions clear

Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting was surprised when he got to know that Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul were not retained ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Ponting believes that the franchise and the individuals are ready to part ways for their betterment.

All these three players played for different franchises in the last season and all of them were the captains of their teams. Pant and Iyer led Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively while KL Rahul was the captain of Lucknow Super Giants.

But none of these players featured in the retention list of their respective franchises for various reasons. Hence, these players will now be available in the auction pool and are also likely to fetch high amounts.

Watch- Rishabh Pant throws bat, abuses umpire Michael Gough after controversial LBW decision

Ricky Ponting "surprised" after Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul not retained

During an interview on The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting opened up on the teams not retaining Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul ahead if the auction. The former Australia batter was surprised that both Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer will be available at the auction and could fetch high amounts.

“There are a lot of exciting players. So many. I’m a bit surprised with some of the non-Indian retentions if you like, with both Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant being available in the auctions,” Ponting said.

Adding further, Ricky Ponting expressed his surprise at the non-retention of KL Rahul as well. He claimed that the players and franchises are willing to move in different directions according to their respective needs.

“It was a bit surprising, even KL Rahul to a certain degree. It seems like individuals or franchises are busy looking to move in different directions to some of their players,” he added.

Regular internationals for India

Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul play international cricket regularly for India. The players are also potential captaincy options which will make the franchises go hard at them in the IPL 2025 auction. Pant was also a part of India's T20 World Cup 2024-winning team.

Iyer even led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL 2024 title win. He had a good year with the bat and led his team quite well. Pant also had a great season and made a superb comeback from the injury that he suffered during the horrific car accident in December 2022.

Ricky Ponting to serve as Punjab Kings coach

Ricky Ponting served as the head coach of Delhi Capitals till the last season. However, the legendary Australian batter was removed from the role a few months ago. Punjab Kings took on the opportunity and decided to bring him as their head coach from the next season.

Punjab Kings have one of the worst records in the history of the IPL. They have not qualified for the playoffs since 2014. Overall, the Kings have reached the playoffs just twice, in 2007 and 2014. With Ponting at the helm, they will be looking for a change in fortunes.

Punjab have retained just two uncapped players ahead of the auction, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh. They have the biggest purse remaining among all the teams at the IPL 2025 auction.