Last Published: Fri, Nov 29, 2024 06:02
In a historic move at the IPL 2025 auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant the most expensive player in IPL history, acquiring him for a staggering INR 27 crore. Pant’s departure from Delhi Capitals (DC) and the fierce bidding war that followed has become the biggest talking point in cricket circles.
Delhi Capitals’ Dilemma: Why Pant Wasn't Retained
Delhi Capitals surprised many by not retaining Rishabh Pant ahead of the auction. Speculation about differences between Pant and the franchise had been brewing for weeks, and DC co-owner Parth Jindal finally addressed the issue in an interview with Sports Today. According to Jindal, the disagreements stemmed from Pant's desire to have a say in leadership appointments, a domain typically reserved for the franchise.
“We felt that the commitment from his side was not forthcoming. Then we decided it was better he went into the auction and we targeted someone else,” Jindal explained.
Despite the differences, DC did not give up on Pant entirely. They exercised the Right-to-Match (RTM) card in the auction but were unwilling to match LSG’s aggressive bid of INR 27 crore.
The Auction Drama: Shreyas Iyer Takes Center Stage
Delhi Capitals had initially set their sights on Shreyas Iyer as their primary target in the auction. However, Punjab Kings snatched Iyer with an equally jaw-dropping bid of INR 26.75 crore. Losing out on Iyer forced DC to revisit their stance on Pant.
“Having lost Shreyas Iyer, we decided to mend our ways and find a way to make it work with Rishabh,” Jindal revealed. However, LSG’s relentless approach ensured Pant would don the blue and gold for IPL 2025.
Lucknow Super Giants Go All-In
The Lucknow Super Giants, under the leadership of their aggressive management, showed no hesitation in breaking the bank for Pant. Their bold move indicates they see Pant not just as a player but as a potential franchise cornerstone for years to come. With his explosive batting and leadership experience, Pant could very well be the game-changer LSG needs to secure their maiden IPL title.
Delhi Capitals Look Ahead
While Delhi Capitals may have lost two marquee players in Pant and Iyer, their approach to the auction suggests they are focusing on rebuilding with a new core. Parth Jindal’s candid remarks about the differences with Pant highlight a shift in priorities for the franchise, aiming for a harmonious and unified setup.
A New Chapter for Pant and DC
Pant’s record-breaking bid marks a new chapter for both the player and his former team. For LSG, it’s a statement of intent, while DC’s willingness to part ways underscores their evolving philosophy. The IPL 2025 season promises to be an exciting one as Pant takes on his former team in what could be a rivalry for the ages.
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