Image courtesy: IPL/Delhi Capitals
In a candid revelation, Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC), shed light on the franchise’s decision not to retain their star player, Rishabh Pant, ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant, renowned for his explosive batting in T20 cricket, was a pivotal figure for DC, making his non-retention a topic of widespread discussion.
Collective Decision and Honest Feedback
Jindal emphasized that the choice to release Pant was a unified decision by the ownership group, comprising both GMR and JSW. He stated, “We were very aligned as an ownership group. It was a collective decision that was taken.” The franchise engaged in extensive discussions with Pant, providing him with candid feedback regarding expectations that were not met in recent seasons. Jindal noted, “There were things that we expected of Rishabh that we did not get last season or in the previous seasons, and we gave him honest feedback on that.”
Emotional Response and Auction Dynamics
According to Jindal, Pant’s response to the feedback was more emotional than anticipated, influenced by his deep-rooted connection with the franchise where he began his IPL journey. Despite the decision to release him, Jindal expressed a desire to bring Pant back during the auction. However, the bidding escalated beyond the franchise’s financial comfort zone. “We tried, but then the price became too high. So, it was nothing to do with ownership. It was a joint decision that we took,” Jindal explained.
Record-Breaking Acquisition by Lucknow Super Giants
The auction saw Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player in IPL history, acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a staggering INR 27 crore (approximately $3.21 million). Delhi Capitals attempted to utilize the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to retain Pant, but the soaring bid made it unfeasible. Jindal remarked, “My heart wanted him back in the auction, and I tried getting him back. Kiran also was like, it is OK. We will make up later. Both of us will make up with him after the auction if we get him, we will figure it out.”
Pant’s Perspective
In response to speculations, Rishabh Pant clarified that his departure from Delhi Capitals was not financially motivated. Addressing comments made by former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, Pant stated, “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say.”
Looking Ahead
As Rishabh Pant embarks on a new chapter with Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals aim to recalibrate their strategy and team composition for the upcoming season. The franchise’s decision underscores the complexities involved in team management, where performance expectations and player relationships must be balanced to achieve success.
The cricketing fraternity will keenly observe how these developments influence the dynamics of the IPL 2025 season, particularly the performances of both Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants with their restructured squads.
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