November 19, 2024: Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has shut down speculation that he left the Delhi Capitals (DC) over a disagreement regarding his retention fee ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant’s clarification comes in response to comments made by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who suggested that financial differences might have been a factor behind Pant’s departure.
In a video shared by Star Sports, Gavaskar discussed the dynamics of retention negotiations, highlighting how some players prefer to test their value in the auction pool. Gavaskar hinted that Pant’s departure might stem from a similar scenario.
“Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad. Sometimes when a player is to be retained, discussions around the retention fee can lead to disagreements. Players often explore their market value in such cases. However, I think Delhi will go all out to bring him back since they need a captain too,” Gavaskar said.
However, Pant was quick to dismiss these claims. Responding to the video on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure, that I can say.”
Pant is expected to be one of the hottest commodities in the IPL 2025 auction, with all 10 franchises likely vying for his signature. Despite DC’s efforts to retain him, the franchise will face stiff competition from Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have significant purse balances to bid aggressively.
While Pant’s next destination remains uncertain, one thing is clear: money was never the issue behind his exit from Delhi Capitals.
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