Rishabh Pant is set to go under the hammer for the first time since 2016 in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Despite being the captain for Delhi Capitals last season, Pant was not among the four retained players for the team. However, there is a possibility that DC might use a Right to Match (RTM) card for him.
With his recent impressive performances in international cricket, Pant is expected to spark a bidding war among teams. Three teams that could potentially go after Pant during the mega auction are Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Punjab Kings, with a significant purse of Rs. 110 crore, is likely to make bold moves in the auction and could target Pant for his all-round skills as a left-handed middle-order batter, wicketkeeper, spin-hitter, and potential leader. His past successful partnership with head coach Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals could also play a crucial role in his fit within the PBKS setup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is also in search of a captain who is a wicketkeeper-batter, making Pant a perfect fit for the team. With the team playing several matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Pant’s aggressive batting style could thrive in those conditions.
Lucknow Super Giants, after releasing KL Rahul, are in need of a long-term captaincy option, and Pant emerges as a strong candidate. His ability to handle spin effectively could be advantageous on the slow-turning surfaces in Lucknow.
Overall, Pant’s presence in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to generate significant interest from multiple franchises looking to strengthen their squads.
