Reports: RCB Plans Big Bid for Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

As rumours of Rishabh Pant's release from the Delhi Capitals (DC) intensify, a major club has set their sights on the explosive wicketkeeper-batter in a captaincy role ahead of the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction. It is known that Pant may not be the first choice for captaincy, despite claims that the DC team is keen to keep him.

There have reportedly been several rounds of talks between Pant and the DC management. Regarding the subject of captaincy, there appear to be differing views. The management isn't very interested in Pant continuing to lead the team, despite his apparent desire to do so. In terms of adjustments to the support staff, it appears that the Capitals' administration wants to let go of Pant and take on a new captain, similar to what they did with Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao.

Rishabh Pant most desirable player for the IPL 2025 auction?

Pant is likely to take part in the auction, where he is expected to get a lot of attention because a top team is searching for a captain, barring a last-minute change of plans. It wouldn't be shocking if Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are keeping a careful eye on the issue, placed a strong bid for him during the mega-auction. Even though RCB has more alternatives now that KL Rahul is anticipated to join the auction pool, Pant is still a top goal for the squad.

RCB are keeping their eye on Rishabh Pant. (Sahil Malhotra/TOI). pic.twitter.com/hsXyXqIU2D

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2024

Pant appears to be a perfect fit for the middle-order wicketkeeping position that RCB is looking for after Dinesh Karthik's retirement, making him a serious contender for captaincy as well. They are also considering KL Rahul as a candidate. But according to reports, Pant is more important than the local youngster. 

There are other stakeholders that are keeping a watch on Pant besides RCB. Both the Punjab Kings and the Lucknow Super Giants are involved. LSG would require both a captain and a wicketkeeper after deciding to cut ties with Rahul. For them, Pant would be the perfect fit. In terms of the Punjab Kings, they require a batter who is left-handed. Given that Ricky Ponting was been named the Kings' new head coach, it is anticipated that Ponting will make every effort to sign Pant, with whom he has developed a strong relationship while they were together at DC. 

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