Rishabh Pant set to be retained by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025

Moments after Rishabh Pant roared his comeback to Test cricket with a breezy century against Bangladesh in Chennai, a report has confirmed that the wicket-keeper batter is set to be retained by Delhi Capitals. Returning to the game after over a year, Pant marked his first appearance after the unfortunate accident in IPL 2024. Upon returning, Pant quickly assumed his position as the team captain which was handled by David Warmer in his absence. However, as IPL 2024 came to an end and Ricky Ponting left the franchise, rumours brewed about Delhi choosing against retaining their skipper before IPL 2025 mega auction. However, quashing the speculations, Delhi Capitals, according to a report by Cricbuzz, has confirmed Pant as their first retention.

Delhi Capitals confirm Rishabh Pant as their primary retention pick ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Post the conclusion of IPL 2024, rumours went rife about Rishabh Pant and the Delhi-based franchise stirring disagreements between them. Moreover, Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the team also left the side, amplifying the chances of Pant’s ouster from the team. Subsequently, speculations were made that the wicket-keeper batter pick is ready to join the 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2025. However, the franchise has put an end to the months-long speculations as the ten teams sort out their retention choices before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The BCCI is yet to disclose the retention rules for this season. However, sources have revealed that the franchise, unwavered by whatever the retention scenario could be, is keen on retaining Pant as their first-choice player. The franchise is co-owned by the JSA and GMR group, who take turns to manage the team operations. While currently under the watch of the GMR group, both the owners have come to a mutual decision regarding their primary retention pick. Moreover, the decision was solidified after a recent meeting between Pant and co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai. While Pant’s current IPL salary stands at INR 16 crore, this figure is expected to increase depending on the overall player purse allowed to franchises and the retention fee regulations set by the BCCI.

Furthermore, the reports have named Australia’s young gun opener Jake Fraser Mc-Gurk and Tristan Stubbs as others in the list of Delhi’s retention plans. If BCCI allows more than five retentions, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to be retained next. Moreover, If provisions allow for retaining uncapped players, 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel is likely to be the chosen candidate.