IPL Auction 2025: Rishabh Pant to play for Chennai Super Kings? Suresh Raina drops a bomb

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina made a shocking statement on young wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Suresh Raina said that Rishabh Pant might be joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after being released by the Delhi Capitals (DC).

However, the Super Kings have a purse of ₹55 crore and an RTM card after retaining five players. The Chennai-based team will face tough competition from other teams to secure Pant's services. The left-handed batter's aggressive playing style and captaincy would be a major boost for CSK's long-term plans.

Rishabh Pant Not Retained By Delhi Capitals For IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant was not retained by the Delhi Capitals franchise for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. On October 31, the franchise announced their retained players. They retained Axar Patel (₹16.5 crore), Kuldeep Yadav (₹13.25 crore), Tristan Stubbs (₹10 crore), and 'uncapped' Abhishek Porel (₹4 crore).

Pant's absence from DC's retention list surprised many, considering he had been with the franchise since his debut season in 2016. He captained the team in 43 matches from 2021 to 2024. DC finished sixth in the points table with seven wins and seven losses in 2024, but Pant scored 446 runs in 13 innings.

Something Big Is To Happen - Suresh Raina

Before the IPL auction, there were rumors that Chennai Super Kings might target Rishabh Pant as a potential successor to MS Dhoni. Pant's absence from the Delhi Capitals' retention list fueled speculation about his future with CSK. There was a disagreement between Pant and the DC team's management.

Speaking on JioCinema, Suresh Raina said that Pant could be joining Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2025 season. Raina revealed that Pant recently met MS Dhoni in Delhi, adding that he seems likely someone will soon be donning the yellow jersey.

"I met MS Dhoni in Delhi, Pant was also there. I think something big is to happen. Someone will be wearing a yellow jersey soon," Raina said on JioCinema.

Delhi Would Need Him Back - Suresh Raina

Before the IPL 2025 retention announcements, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra predicted that multiple teams would be eager to sign the wicketkeeper-batter. Chopra highlighted that teams, including RCB, PBKS, Delhi, KKR, CSK, and MI, might be interested in signing him during the auction.

"RCB need a keeper, a batter and maybe a captain. Punjab would need him as they won't have anyone. Delhi would need him back, the RTM card would be available. KKR also need him. What about CSK, they would also need him. If Ishan Kishan is left out, Mumbai would also need him," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

"Why would LSG not be interested even if they retain Nicholas Pooran? Everyone apart from Rajasthan would need him. Gujarat will also need him. They don't have a keeper. So overall, Rishabh Pant will get a lot of money. He might go for 25-30 crores."

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