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In a surprising move, Delhi Capitals released star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. After Pant’s impressive comeback following a 16-month hiatus due to a near-fatal accident, his release has stirred speculation, especially given his stellar last IPL season where he scored 446 runs in 13 innings at a blistering strike rate of 155.50.
Ahead of the mega auction, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra suggested that Delhi Capitals might not pursue Pant, even though he is expected to draw intense bidding interest from other franchises. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra explained that the Capitals might prioritize using their Right to Match (RTM) cards on other players rather than shelling out a high budget for Pant. “They might show interest but will pull back beyond a certain budget,” Chopra remarked.
Reports suggest that the Capitals might shift leadership to all-rounder Axar Patel, which could be a factor in Pant’s release. Chopra also pointed out that the franchise, now managed by the GMR group, may not want to rekindle ties due to potential ego issues. “They might not lift the paddle at all if it’s an ego issue,” Chopra added, hinting at a possible end to Pant’s journey with Delhi.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction Set for Riyadh
The highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction is rumored to take place on November 24-25, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the likely venue. The shift marks a unique turn for the tournament, which continues to expand its international presence.
