October 31, 2024, was a significant day in the lead-up to the Indian Premier League’s 18th season. Deadline Day was extremely anticipated, and it certainly did not let down. Many rumours that each team will keep and release a number of important players surfaced, and the most of them proved to be accurate.
The Delhi Capitals’ captain since the 2021 season, Rishabh Pant, was one notable individual that was let go. Pant, who has been a mainstay for the Capitals since 2016, apparently was unable to come to an agreement with senior management regarding captaincy.
It was mutually agreed upon that Rishabh Pant would not be retained by the franchise because the management did not seem to think he was a good match for the leadership role.
Given that Pant is being included in the big auction pool for the first time in eight years, it will be intriguing to see what franchise he ultimately acquires. Given his aggressive batting style during the just finished Test series against New Zealand, Pant is undoubtedly someone for whom some teams would be willing to pay a premium. Let’s get right in and examine three teams who will undoubtedly engage in a bidding war for the dauntless southpaw.
1) Punjab Kings
Given that Ricky Ponting has been appointed head coach of the Punjab Kings for a minimum of four years, the inclusion of a charismatic figure like Pant might significantly alter the game for PBKS. Their relationship at DC became closer every day, and Ponting was a huge fan of Pant’s qualities. This is one of the main reasons Ponting gave Pant his best shot at the astronomical auction.
It was surprising to learn that PBKS only decided to keep two of their uncapped players. With INR 110.5 crore left over, they have a virtual chance to purchase Pant, a valuable asset. The franchise’s think tank appears to be looking to reorganise their side, and there may be no better option than to make Pant the focal point around which the entire team is built.
Given that Jitesh Sharma hasn’t lived up to the hype during his three years with the team, it’s likely that the management has made the decision to let him go. Pant’s inclusion in the setup is ideal in this situation. With his wealth of expertise, Pant would not only be an invaluable asset when wearing gloves, but he would also act as a mentor to other fielders and bowlers.
2) Chennai Super Kings
It is well known that the surface of Chepauk is slow and low. At the home ground of the Chennai Super Kings, batsmen have frequently struggled to raise the ante. Pant might be exactly what CSK would be searching for given his demonstrated skill against spinners and his constant dynamic batting style.
Since MS Dhoni, the mainstay of CSK, is getting older, Pant might be the ideal replacement for him. In the upcoming season, someone like Pant may truly help his idol, given there are allegations that Dhoni is only being used as an impact player. Since he is just as nimble as Dhoni, he is the ideal choice in the unusual scenario where Dhoni is utilised as an Impact Player but solely as a specialised batter.
There’s a good chance that Dhoni will retire at the end of the current season, making it final. Given that he could receive on-field coaching from Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current captain of CSK, Pant would be the ideal replacement. The former DC captain has all the resources needed to take over as CSK’s next full-time captain should management decide to relieve Gaikwad of the captaincy.
3) Royal Challengers Bengaluru
It’s possible that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru kept former captain Virat Kohli as their star player. There are still many unanswered questions, nevertheless, regarding his transfer of captaincy. According to the many rumours circulating, the team may try to get Pant to serve as their captain in the future.
One further thing to think about is the retirement of Dinesh Karthik, one of RCB’s middle-order power hitters. There is no greater replacement for Karthik than Pant, especially considering the audacity with which he acts in the middle. He is an excellent like-for-like replacement because he is also a wicket-keeper.
When Pant is singing, no ground appears big enough, a fact that has been repeatedly confirmed. In terms of size, it is well known that
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The Chinnaswamy falls under one of the tiniest grounds. Being one of the IPL’s most batting-friendly venues will undoubtedly increase Pant’s influence as one of their hard-hitters.
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