Rishabh Pant In IPL Auction 2025: Star Keeper-Batter To Break The Banks?

Anurag Dasgupta

Pant to enter IPL auction 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.Com] Pant to enter IPL auction 2025 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.Com]

The IPL retentions are done and dusted and we witnessed quite a few surprises as the teams pull off their tricks on the deadline day. While some decisions may turn out to be masterstrokes, others could be baffling ones.

One such decision was made by the Delhi Capitals as they decided to release their captain and star player, Rishabh Pant. The wicket-keeper batter has been with the franchise since 2016 and was their captain in the previous season. However, the Capitals played a punt and released Pant as he now enters the mega auction pool.

The explosive batter is a superstar in any format of the game and he is guaranteed to fetch big amount of money as almost all the teams will try and fight it out for his services. However, the big question arises, how much is Rishabh Pant actually worth? Will he become the most expensive buy? Here's what we think.

Will Pant be the most expensive buy ever?

Currently, the title for the most expensive buy in IPL auction history is being held by Australia's Mitch Starc, who was sold to KKR for a whopping INR 24.75 crores. Don't be surprised if Pant breaks the bank and exceeds that amount to become the most expensive buy ever. IPL teams love big names and there is no bigger name in the auction pool than former DC skipper.

Why Pant deserves to surpass Starc?

  • Quality Indian wicket-keeper: Having a quality Indian wicket-keeper in the side is a rare commodity in IPL and Pant is arguably the best keeper in the league. Plus, he has proven his worth across seasons for the Capitals and combining his keeping and batting skills, Pant will be an asset for any IPL side.
  • Pant can be a good captaincy choice: There are several teams in the IPL who require a quality captain and Pant can fulfil that role as well. He has prior experience of leading the Delhi Capitals and as a result, teams will look at him as a brilliant captaincy choice.
  • Pant is the real 3-D player: He can bat, he can keep and he can also lead the side, which makes him the real 3-D player. Teams often look at dynamic players when purchasing and Pant fits the bill perfectly. Not one, not two, but he can do triple role for any IPL side.

Conclusion

If there is any player who deserves to break the bank and surpass Mitch Starc's IPL price, then it has to be Rishabh Pant. He is in his prime and teams will reap rewards if he joins their franchise. Expect Pant to go for a minimum of 30 crores in the mega auction.