Last Updated:
Rishabh Pant began his IPL career with the Delhi Capitals but the eight-year partnership has come to an end for this reason as per reports.
Rishabh Pant, who has been associated with Delhi Capitals for eight years, has been released. (BCCI Photo)
Delhi Capitals (DC) letting go of their skipper, Rishabh Pant is arguably one of the most shocking releases ahead of the 2025 auctions in the Indian Premier League. The eight-year partnership between the two finally came to an end with the franchise possibly looking to head in a new direction.
Pant joined DC back in 2016 and worked his way to becoming the captain of the side as he rose through the ranks to become a mainstay in international cricket and in the IPL. But his time as skipper came to an end with the side.
However, Pant’s release from the franchise had reasons that went beyond money. A report by the Press Trust of India (PTI) has suggested that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter was not keen on his hold within the franchise being cut down, following the GMR group taking over cricketing operations for the coming two years.
DC, who are co-owned by the GMR Group and JSW Sports, have a unique rotational operating arrangement. The former is now heading the operations for the franchise and has made major changes with Hemang Badani appointed as Head Coach while Y Venugopal Rao as the Team Director, appointments which Pant hasn’t been happy with.
In case of Pant, more than money, he was not happy about his powers being curbed by GMR, the co-owners, who will run the show for the next two years. He was also, it is learnt, not happy with Hemang Badani as head coach and Y Venugopal Rao as Team Director,” the report stated.
Now coming into the auctions, Pant could be a highly sought-after player with big bids on the cards. Many franchises need his skill sets, and the 26-year-old could shatter records in the upcoming auction as well.
As for DC’s case, it will be interesting to see how the franchise moves forward. They have retained the likes of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs and the uncapped Abishek Porel while having INR 73 crores in their purse for the auction.
The franchise has endured a tough period in the last few years where they haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2021. The upcoming auction will prove to be a massive chance for the side to see a complete overhaul with new players in hopes of finally winning that first IPL title.
