Rishabh Pant responds to Sunil Gavaskar’s comments about his IPL departure. Pant confirms his release from Delhi Capitals had nothing to do with money and focuses on future destinations in the 2025 IPL.
Rishabh Pant Rejects Sunil Gavaskar’s Theory, Confirms Non-Money Reasons for IPL Departure
Rishabh Pant’s departure from Delhi Capitals has raised several eyebrows, especially with the timing of his release ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The wicketkeeper-batter, who had been an integral part of the franchise for nearly a decade, made it clear that his decision to part ways was not financially motivated. In a public response to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar’s suggestion that Pant left due to a disagreement over retention fees, the 26-year-old batsman stated unequivocally, “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure.”
This response has sparked more questions about the reasons behind Pant’s departure from the franchise, leaving fans and pundits to wonder if there were deeper issues at play. What followed was speculation over his next potential destination in the IPL, with some considering a return to Delhi Capitals, while others predicted a move to rival franchises like Punjab Kings or Chennai Super Kings. In this article, we will delve deeper into the events leading up to Pant’s release and explore the possible directions his IPL career could take in 2025.
My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 19, 2024
The End of an Era at Delhi Capitals
Rishabh Pant’s relationship with Delhi Capitals began in 2016, and since then, he has been a cornerstone of the franchise. With 3284 runs from 111 IPL matches, Pant is the franchise’s all-time leading run-scorer, and his explosive batting style has made him a fan favorite. However, despite his success, Pant’s tenure as Delhi’s captain has not yielded significant results. Under his leadership, Delhi made the playoffs only once, and the franchise has struggled to convert potential into consistent success.
In the 2024 IPL season, Pant was not retained by the franchise, leaving many fans and pundits to question whether his leadership had failed to inspire the team to greater heights. With Delhi opting to retain other key players such as Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Abhishek Porel, it seems that the franchise is looking to build around new faces. The decision to part ways with Pant appears to be part of a broader shift in strategy, though Pant’s release was undoubtedly a bold move.
Pant’s Response to Sunil Gavaskar’s Comments
Sunil Gavaskar, in a conversation on Star Sports, speculated that Rishabh Pant’s release might have been triggered by a financial disagreement. Gavaskar suggested that sometimes, franchise-players negotiations can break down when expectations around retention fees clash. “Sometimes, you know when the player is to be retained, there is a talk between the franchise and the player about the expected fees,” he noted.
Pant, however, was quick to clarify his position. Taking to social media, he rejected the theory that money was the root cause of his split with Delhi. In a statement, he said, “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say.” This direct response from Pant adds a new layer of complexity to the situation, as it implies that the reasons for his departure are more nuanced, potentially involving professional or personal disagreements with the management.
Where Will Rishabh Pant Play Next in IPL 2025?
Now that Pant has distanced himself from Delhi Capitals, speculation is rife about where he might end up in the 2025 IPL season. There are several possibilities, with rival teams eyeing the wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive batting and leadership skills.
1. Punjab Kings – A Fresh Start
One of the most likely destinations for Pant seems to be Punjab Kings. With the team holding one of the biggest purses in the upcoming auction and an apparent need for leadership, Punjab could be an ideal platform for Pant to revitalize his IPL career. The franchise’s decision to release a number of players in recent seasons signals a potential reshuffle, and Pant’s leadership credentials could make him an attractive candidate for Punjab. A reunion with former Delhi coach Ricky Ponting might also appeal to Pant, with Ponting known for bringing out the best in players.
Punjab Kings are in desperate need of a marquee player, and with Pant’s proven IPL pedigree, he could be the missing piece in their quest for a first IPL title.
2. Shreyas Iyer’s Return to Delhi Capitals
While Pant has made it clear that his relationship with Delhi Capitals is over, the franchise could still be in the market for a new leader, and Shreyas Iyer seems to be a natural fit. Having previously captained Delhi before Pant took over, Iyer could provide stability and consistency in the top order. Delhi is likely to target experienced Indian players in the auction, and Iyer’s return to the franchise could help the team regain some of its lost momentum.
If Delhi opts for Iyer as captain, the team would likely focus on strengthening other areas like middle-order batting or fast bowling, but Iyer’s leadership could be the key to getting Delhi back to the playoffs consistently.
3. Chennai Super Kings – A Long Shot
Another name that has been floated in discussions surrounding Pant’s next move is Chennai Super Kings. However, this seems unlikely given that MS Dhoni is firmly entrenched as the team’s captain and wicketkeeper. With Ruturaj Gaikwad also being considered a future leader, there is little room for Pant to make an impact at CSK. Additionally, Pant’s aggressive batting style might not align well with the slower, more methodical approach that CSK typically employs under Dhoni’s leadership.
What’s Next for Pant?
Pant’s next move will depend heavily on his form in international cricket. He is set to feature in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which begins on November 22. A strong performance in this series would bolster his value in the IPL auction and potentially draw attention from franchises looking for a proven match-winner.
Pant’s statement distancing himself from money-centric discussions could signal that his focus is on a more holistic role within a team — one where he can contribute as a leader, batter, and wicketkeeper. Whether he will return to IPL action with a renewed sense of purpose or find himself in a fresh role with a new franchise remains to be seen.
