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Rishabh Pant’s childhood coaches were proud of their ward as he became the most expensive player in IPL history.
Rishabh Pant, who has been associated with Delhi Capitals for eight years, was released. (BCCI Photo)
After India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, getting secured by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping Rs 27 crore, his childhood coaches were proud of their ward.
Former Delhi Capitals captain Pant was sold to LSG for Rs 27 crore, the highest-ever bid in the history of the tournament at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday. Pant’s bid surpassed former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer, who was sold to Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore earlier in the day.
His childhood coach, Avatar Singh told CNN-News18: “He is a deserving player. The way he performed in the IPL, T20 World Cup and recovered from the injury is commendable. I extend best wishes to Rishabh Pant and may he continue to win more trophies for the Indian Cricket team.”
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wasted no time, launching the first bid, only to be countered fiercely by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). As the figure climbed, it became evident Pant’s value extended beyond his batting and keeping prowess; he is a natural leader and a match-winner.
Just when the bidding seemed to reach its climax, Delhi Capitals (DC) used their Right to Match (RTM) card, momentarily claiming Pant. However, LSG retaliated with a jaw-dropping Rs 27 crore bid, forcing DC to retreat and setting a new benchmark for IPL auctions.
His coach, Devender Sharma also speaking to CNN-News18, said: “As a coach, it is a very proud moment for me that he became the most expensive player ever in IPL history. Rishabh Pant enjoys playing and after his accident, he worked hard a lot and he was determined to play cricket again. The way he made a comeback is historic.”
Pant, who captained Delhi Capitals in three seasons, was released from the squad ahead of the mega auction as the side retained four players -Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman has played 111 IPL games in his career and scored 3284 runs with 18 half-centuries and one century to his name.
(With inputs from Agencies)
