“He Expected Greater Role…Decided To Leave On Good Terms”: Source Reveals Reason Behind Rishabh Pant’s DC Exit

Cric News India IPL News 2025

November 1, 2024 0 356

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Differences in Vision Lead to Pant’s Departure

Rishabh Pant’s exit from Delhi Capitals came after internal discussions over franchise direction failed to align both parties.

Rishabh Pant’s departure from Delhi Capitals marked a significant turning point in the IPL 2025 retention phase. The decision, though unexpected, was the culmination of months of internal deliberations between the player and the franchise.

According to a report in The Times of India, a difference in vision for the franchise’s future direction led to the parting of ways. Despite eight years of association, Pant and the current DC management were unable to align their long-term goals.

While the two parties engaged in discussions to find common ground, Pant ultimately opted to leave on amicable terms. “It was a very emotional moment for all the stakeholders. Pant has been an integral part of the franchise since he was first bought in 2016. The owners and Pant didn’t want this relationship to end easily. So, they kept trying till the end. But Pant decided that he would rather leave on good terms and be a bone of contention,” a source told TOI.

A key factor contributing to the decision was Pant’s exclusion from key decisions regarding the franchise’s future, including the appointments of Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket.

“The GMR group was the sole owner of the team when Pant was bought in 2016. They share a very fond relationship with Pant. But Pant expected a greater role in the franchise which was agreed upon in August. But somehow that wasn’t translating into anything,” the source added.

DC Retains Axar Patel and Others

Pant’s departure leaves a void in the DC squad. In his 111 matches for the franchise, he amassed 3284 runs at a strike rate of 148.31, including one century and 18 half-centuries. Despite the separation, Pant remains a highly sought-after player, with multiple franchises reportedly expressing interest in acquiring him at the upcoming mega auction.

ALSO READ | Full List of Players Retained by All 10 Franchises Ahead of Mega Auction

DC, meanwhile, have retained Axar Patel for Rs 16.50 crore, Kuldeep Yadav for Rs 13.25 crore, Tristan Stubbs for Rs 10 crore, and Abishek Porel for Rs 4 crore.