(AFP Photo)
Rishabh Pant, the star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and Delhi Capitals’ most experienced player and leading run-scorer in IPL history, may part ways with the franchise ahead of next year’s mega auction to join Chennai Super Kings, the five-time champions. According to a report in Dainik Jagran on Saturday, Delhi Capitals are reportedly unhappy with Pant’s leadership during IPL 2024 and are deliberating over his retention.
Sources suggest the franchise could explore trading Pant, but Sourav Ganguly, former Indian captain and DC’s Director of Cricket, favors retaining Pant as captain. Should Delhi opt to release him, the 26-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, who played all eight matches for India as the No. 3 batter in the T20 World Cup 2024, could potentially move to Chennai Super Kings. A CSK official hinted at their interest in signing a top Indian wicketkeeper should MS Dhoni retire from IPL.
Dhoni, at 43 years old, holds the record for the most IPL appearances, but he might skip the 2025 season of the lucrative league.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul could part ways with Lucknow Super Giants after owner Sanjiv Goenka publicly criticized him following their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2024, an incident captured on camera.
Rahul, who joined LSG for Rs 17 crore in the 2022 mega auction, hails from Karnataka and might return to his former team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, based in Bengaluru.
The 31-year-old cricketer has previously featured for RCB in IPL seasons 2013 and 2016. He has openly expressed his longing to represent his state team once more on several occasions.
During the 2024 IPL season, RCB performed under the captaincy of Faf du Plessis and secured a place in the playoffs. However, reports suggest that RCB is now aiming to appoint an Indian captain. Should they succeed in acquiring Rahul, who has led India across all three formats, he could potentially lead RCB in IPL 2025.
