Rishabh Pant’s retention by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction is a hotly discussed topic. There are reports suggesting that Pant might opt out of retention and prefer to enter the IPL 2025 mega auction. And if that happens, Aakash Chopra has opined that Pant might get a big payday.
Rishabh Pant has been with the Delhi Capitals since IPL 2016 when he was bought as an uncapped player. There has been no official confirmation, but reports are suggesting that the Capitals are still negotiating with Pant, and if he decides to stay, then he is going to be their first pick for INR 18 crore.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra analyzed Pant's IPL results, which he believes do not reflect his talent. He claimed that if the top wicketkeeper enters the auction, he will make a fortune.
"It's being heard that Rishabh Pant might be available at the auction. Although the jury is out, many people say his numbers in T20s are not that good, had only one breakthrough season in the IPL and hasn't scored too many runs apart from that, I can give you in writing that the bank would be broken if his name comes in the auction," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra has also studied Pant's possibilities, predicting that teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings will go all out in the auction.
"RCB needs a keeper, a batter, and maybe a captain. Punjab would need him as they won't have anyone. Delhi would need him back, the RTM card would be available. KKR also needs him. What about CSK, they would also need him. If Ishan Kishan is left out, Mumbai would also need him," Chopra added.
Chopra made the outrageous assertion that the bidding battle between the teams will cost INR 25-30 crore, with every other team looking to purchase his services aside from the Rajasthan Royals.
"Why would LSG not be interested even if they retain Nicholas Pooran? Everyone apart from Rajasthan would need him. Gujarat will also need him. They don't have a keeper. So overall, Rishabh Pant will get a lot of money. He might go for 25-30 crores," he observed.
