Delhi Capitals (DC) made a shocking decision as they released their captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The Delhi-based franchise ended their nine-year association as the franchise looks to move on under new head coach Hemang Badani.
This will be only Pant’s second time entering the IPL auction. His stint began in 2016 when Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) secured him for INR 1.90 crore when he was still an India U19 player. Since then, he has gone on to achieve numerous heights for both his IPL team and the nation. Later DC retained him for a whopping INR 16 crore before IPL 2022.
However, with Pant stepping into the auction, there will be many teams looking to acquire his service. Teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, both in need of captaincy options and with substantial purses, could lift his stocks significantly. With the southpaw listed among the marquee players with a base price of INR 2 crore, teams will need to go all out for him and this might also trigger huge bidding wars.
AI predicts Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 auction team and price
| Team | Final Bid Price |
| Mumbai Indians | INR 12-14 crore |
Meanwhile, the AI analysis believes the joint-most successful team Mumbai Indians could be the perfect spot for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter. This prediction aligns with MI’s historical strategy of building around strong wicketkeeper-batters and their current need to renew their ageing core. According to AI’s prediction, the franchise would choose Pant as he is a versatile middle-order batter and a reliable wicketkeeper.
Pant’s aggressive batting style and leadership experience make him an attractive prospect for the five-time champions looking to maintain their dominance in the competition. AI has also predicted that MI’s estimated final bid for the 27-year-old will be between INR 12-14 crore. Mumbai Indians have traditionally valued multi-dimensional players, and Pant fits this factor perfectly with his ability to change games single-handedly.
The in Riyadh, featuring 574 players competing for 204 slots, could see Pant potentially challenging Virat Kohli’s record as the highest-paid Indian player (INR 21 crore). His former team, Delhi Capitals, with INR 47 crore already spent on retentions and two RTM cards available, might also join the bidding war for their former captain.
