Skipper Rishabh Pant’s omission headlined Delhi Capitals' list of retained players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
On the deadline day (October 31), the franchise decided to retain India all-rounder Axar Patel, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, South Africa all-rounder Tristan Stubbs and uncapped Indian wicket-keeper batter Abhishek Porel.
Speaking on the occasion, team Chairman and co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi said, "I'm satisfied with our retentions and believe we have a strong and balanced core around which we aim to build the rest of our squad. The mega auction is always an exciting and dynamic experience that often throws up surprises. I wish all franchises and players the very best. I am confident that we will be able to put together a robust and terrific squad capable of winning the trophy," according to the press release from Delhi Capitals.
By retaining these four players, the Capitals subtracted a total of INR 43.75 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore. They will have two RTM card options at the mega auction and can re-purchase Pant or any other released player.
Rishabh Pant returned to lead the Capitals in IPL 2024 after missing the 2023 season due to injuries sustained in the horrific car accident. The southpaw scored 446 runs in 13 games at an impressive strike rate of 155 in this year’s IPL. However, his team failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Team co-owner Parth Jindal added, "In Axar, Kuldeep, Tristan, and Abishek, we have the ideal blend of experience and youth, and I am very pleased with our retentions. I would have liked to retain more players who have played for DC, but the rules require us to be strategic in our choices. Going into the auction, we will have two RTM cards, which leaves the door open for players who have represented DC in the past to continue with us. We know who we want and will make every effort to bring back some, if not all, of the players. With this milestone achieved, the team is working tirelessly on the mega auction. Our intent is to build a strong and balanced squad that can bring the much-awaited IPL trophy home to our city."
Last month, former Indian cricketers Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao joined the Delhi Capitals coaching staff as head coach and director of cricket, respectively, ahead of the next IPL season.
Meanwhile, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as director of cricket for JSW Sports.
(With ANI Inputs)
