The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not likely to go for talented Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Several reasons could put the skilled cricketer out of CSK’s reach as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s campaign.
Check out major reasons why the franchise could pass over the chance to secure Pant’s services at IPL 2025:
1. Likely Repurchases
CSK may try to buyback players from last season to retain their current squad members for IPL 2025. The franchise usually exhibits loyalty to their players and may decide to go for released players like Daryl Mitchell or Rachin Ravindra at auction. CSK’s potential decision to repurchase cricketers from last season could put the pursuit of Pant in jeopardy.
2. Slim Budget
A bidding war will likely ensue when it’s time to secure Rishabh Pant’s services ahead of next season. Several franchises are expected to go for Pant at auction and the big spenders will likely secure his services. CSK already retained several players from last season, putting a massive strain on their total budget at auction.
The franchise will likely go for cheaper options and avoid players that attract huge auction amounts like Pant.
3. Pant’s Batting Approach
Rishabh could take some time to start delivering results in the middle order. The cricketer usually takes few deliveries to get into the rhythm before turning in constant performances. CSK will be looking for an instant hit as they aim to become the most successful IPL franchise next season.
Reasons Why PBKS Could Buy Rishabh Pant
Fatter pre-auction purse
No IPL franchise has more cash to splash than PBKS heading into the 2025 mega auction. The Punjab franchise chose to retain just two players, allowing all other squad members become available heading into the forthcoming auction. PBKS has ₹110.5 crore to spend, and will look to strengthen their squad for IPL 2025 with such a huge amount.
The Punjab-based franchise has enough funding to seek top players in every position before next season. They will be looking to spread their funds towards getting marquee talent like Pant at auction. PBKS can secure the services of Pant at auction, and they could be the only franchise willing to offer over ₹20 crore for the talented wicketkeeper-batter.
Close working relationship with PBKS head coach
Rishabh Pant formed a strong working relationship with current PBKS head coach when they were at the Delhi Capitals (DC). PBKS recently announced the emergence of Ponting as their new head coach ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting could push for Pant’s signing based on their time together at DC.
Need for a wicketkeeper-batter
PBKS needs a reliable wicketkeeper-batter for next season. The franchise has several spots open and will seek strong candidates to hold every position. Pant is currently India’s top wicketkeeper-batter and will likely trigger a bidding war at auction. It is almost certain that PBKS will target Pant at auction for an important role in the franchise throughout next season’s campaign.
Search for a new captain
PBKS didn’t retain their captain from last season and did a massive clear-out before the next auction. The franchise hopes to rebuild their squad after finishing 7th in IPL 2024. A player like Pant could be the ideal candidate for team captain after amassing experience at other franchises throughout his career.
Coupling the working relationship Pant has with PBKS coach Ponting and his experience makes him the perfect candidate ahead of next season.
Aakash Chopra Advises RCB to Buy Rishabh Pant at IPL 2025 Auction
Former Team India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) should target Rishabh Pant at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The ex-cricketer shared this suggestion via his YouTube channel shortly after it became clear that Pant will leave DC ahead of next season:
“Will you go towards Rishabh Pant? In my opinion, they should go towards him. Again a small ground, it will suit him as well. Please go for him even if you have to go till ₹25 crore,” Chopra said, pegging Pant’s price at about ₹4 crore higher than the retention amount RCB paid for Virat Kohli.
Chopra believes RCB should target Pant’s compatriot and former LSG captain if the franchise seeks another great option:
“If you feel you don’t need Rishabh Pant and need KL Rahul because he is a local boy and knows this ground as well, he will also like the small ground and flat pitch. So you can also try to bring him with you. I don’t think this team will go that aggressively for Shreyas Iyer because they will leave him for Delhi,” Chopra concluded.
