IPL Auction 2025: Rishabh Pant's RCB entry blocked by Virat Kohli's brother

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction, AB de Villiers has stirred excitement by sharing his thoughts on where the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant might land.

With the mega auction set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, Pant’s release from Delhi Capitals (DC) has led many to predict that he will ignite an intense bidding war. AB De Villiers believes that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will break the bank for the talented Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

AB de Villiers predicts Punjab Kings' big play for Rishabh Pant

Given Pant’s close connection with Ricky Ponting, who recently moved from Delhi Capitals (DC) to Punjab Kings (PBKS) as their head coach, the former South Africa captain hinted at their reunion under a new banner.

Read Also: IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates: BCCI Confirms Mega Auction Date, Timings, and Venue

In a dramatic prediction, De Villiers said that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won’t be able to secure Rishabh Pant in the upcoming IPL mega auction. With all franchises gearing up for a heated bidding war, he said that Pant’s star power and value seem poised to soar beyond RCB’s reach.

De Villiers has a strong belief that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are the frontrunners to secure the service of Pant, banking on the strong bond the wicketkeeper-batter shares with the new coach.

Too expensive for RCB – AB de Villiers predicts Rishabh Pant heading to PBKS

However, the Proteas great doesn’t dismiss the excitement of seeing Pant in RCB’s red and black if it happens but reiterated that the Indian wicketkeeper will be too expensive to buy at the auction.

AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel, “I hear you. I think it is incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant; I think he will be too expensive, and all the franchises are going to go for him in the auction. I do feel the Punjab Kings spend whatever they can to get him; that's my personal feeling.

It's my gut feeling; I feel there is a very tight connection between him and Ricky Ponting. I think we are going to see him at Punjab Kings. We'll see what happens; if not, it would be great if RCB can have Rishabh, but I just think he is going to be too expensive.”

I want RCB's focus to be on the bowling department: AB De Villiers

The 27-year-old Indian wicketkeeper-batter could be just the spark Punjab Kings (PBKS) needs to turn their fortunes around, and Ricky Ponting’s keen interest in Pant might be the ticket to landing him.

Read Also: India’s ‘panic mode’ exposed! Sanjay Manjrekar urges end to KL Rahul's obsession

On the other side, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained only three players—Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal—and they may need to stretch their resources at the upcoming mega auction.

With only three RTM options available, RCB might use it for players like Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj, and AB De Villiers urged his former franchise to concentrate on their bowling arsenal for the competitive edge they need.

He added, “I have told you guys that I want RCB's focus to be on the bowling department, a world-class spinner, and also some local players. I want some Bengaluru players in there; I have heard Anil Kumble say it before that they don't keep their local players, quality, talented local players.”