The retentions announced by IPL franchises for the 2025 season have stirred excitement and surprise, as several high-profile players have been released into the pool for the upcoming IPL auction. Interestingly, several players who captained teams formerly will be on the lookout for a new home in the mega auction. Among the most unexpected moves ahead of the IPL auction was the release of Shreyas Iyer by Kolkata Knight Riders following their title win in IPL 2024. Another shocker came from Delhi Capitals, who parted ways with Rishabh Pant ahead of the 2025 season, setting the stage for intense bidding in the IPL 2025 mega auction for the star wicketkeeper-batter.

The exit of Rishabh Pant from Delhi Capitals ahead of 2025 IPL auction

Rishabh Pant’s journey with Delhi Capitals saw a significant turning point in 2021 when he assumed the captaincy in Shreyas Iyer’s absence. DC retained Pant as captain during the IPL 2022 mega auction, releasing Iyer, who subsequently joined KKR and led them the following year. Pant captained Delhi in IPL 2022 but missed the 2023 season as he recovered from several injuries that he sustained during an unfortunate car accident. After his recovery, Pant returned to lead the team in IPL 2024.

However, after IPL 2024, Delhi Capitals experienced major internal changes. Ricky Ponting, the head coach, moved to Punjab Kings, while Sourav Ganguly took a sabbatical following the GMR group’s takeover of team operations from JSW for the next two years. Speculation about Pant’s release began circulating after Ponting’s exit. Reports soon surfaced that while DC was willing to retain Rishabh Pant as a player, they wanted a new captain. Pant, however, was firm on retaining his leadership role. This misalignment led to his release, making him one of the hottest picks for the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Franchises likely to bid for Rishabh Pant in IPL auction

Punjab Kings

With the largest auction budget of Rs 110.5 crore, Punjab Kings have released their entire squad, barring uncapped players Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. The team is keen on rebuilding from scratch and is likely to make a strong bid for Pant in the IPL auction. Moreover, PBKS is in need of a captaincy pick following the retirement of Shikhar Dhawan. Punjab’s new head coach, Ricky Ponting, who shares a successful history with Pant from their Delhi Capitals days, is expected to champion the effort to bring him into the fold.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore, armed with Rs 83 crore, has the second-highest budget for the IPL auction. With Dinesh Karthik no longer in their squad, they are in need of a wicketkeeper-batter, and Pant fits the bill perfectly. While RCB hasn’t retained Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli has expressed interest in reclaiming the captaincy, which could work as a middle ground for Pant. Even if not given the leadership, Pant may relish the chance to play under Kohli’s guidance.

Chennai Super Kings

Although Chennai Super Kings have a smaller auction purse of Rs 55 crore, they are rumored to be considering Pant. Speculation arose after former CSK player Suresh Raina hinted at a possible connection between Pant and MS Dhoni. However, given Pant’s likely price tag of Rs 18–20 crore, CSK might find it challenging to compete financially in the IPL auction. Moreover, with Ruturaj Gaikwad only recently stepping into the captaincy role, CSK is unlikely to offer Pant the leadership position, leaving questions about whether they would prioritize signing him.