Rishabh Pant Breaks Silence on Sunil Gavaskar’s ‘Money’ Remark About DC Exit

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, has dismissed rumors suggesting he parted ways with Delhi Capitals due to a disagreement over his retention fee. Pant’s clarification comes after batting legend Sunil Gavaskar speculated that the split might have been financially motivated.

Gavaskar’s Comments

In a video shared by Star Sports ahead of the IPL auction, Sunil Gavaskar suggested that top players sometimes opt out of retention discussions to gauge their true market value in the auction. Drawing parallels to Pant’s situation, the cricketing legend said:

My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say 🤍

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 19, 2024

*”Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad. Sometimes when a player is to be retained, there is talk between the player and franchise about the fees expected. Some players retained by franchises have gone for more than what the No. 1 retention fee would have been. Maybe there was some disagreement over there (fees).

“My feeling is that Delhi would definitely want Pant back because they need a captain as well. If Rishabh Pant is not in their squad, then they have to look for a new captain.”*

read more: ‘I Told Rohit Sharma…’: Sourav Ganguly’s Stunning Revelation About First Test

Rishabh Pant Sets the Record Straight

Reacting to Gavaskar’s comments, Pant categorically denied that money played a role in his departure. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Pant responded to the speculation, stating:

“My retention wasn’t about the money for sure, that I can say.”

Pant’s tweet not only refuted Gavaskar’s claims but also hinted at the possibility that other factors influenced his decision to leave Delhi Capitals, a franchise he had been synonymous with for years.

A Hot Commodity in the Auction

With Pant now up for grabs, the wicketkeeper-batter is expected to be at the center of intense bidding during the IPL 2025 mega auction. All ten franchises are likely to show interest in securing his services, given his exceptional skills and proven leadership qualities.

Among the potential suitors, teams like Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are believed to have the financial leverage to place competitive bids. However, a return to Delhi Capitals cannot be ruled out, as the franchise would undoubtedly aim to bring back their former captain and key player.

Pant’s Legacy with Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant had been a cornerstone for Delhi Capitals, both as a player and as a leader. His aggressive batting style and sharp cricketing acumen made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the franchise’s journey. Under his captaincy, Delhi reached significant milestones, making his departure a major talking point ahead of the new season.

As the auction approaches, all eyes will be on where Pant lands and the price tag he commands. Whether he returns to Delhi or begins a new chapter with another team, Rishabh Pant’s presence in the IPL 2025 promises to be a game-changer for any franchise.

Pant’s denial of financial disagreements with Delhi Capitals not only clears the air but also shifts the focus to his cricketing ambitions and how he intends to shape his IPL career in the seasons to come. With the competition heating up, the auction is poised to be one of the most exciting in IPL history.