Aakash Chopra Predicts Rishabh Pant to Spark Bidding War at IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Aakash Chopra believes that Rishabh Pant could command a significant sum if he enters the IPL 2025 mega auction. According to Chopra, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Mumbai Indians (MI) would likely show strong interest in securing Pant.

Franchises are expected to submit their retention lists by October 31, and reports suggested that Delhi Capitals might release Pant, making him available for the auction. Chopra also mentioned that players like Heinrich Klaasen, Nicholas Pooran, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler are likely to be retained for substantial amounts.

It’s being heard that Rishabh Pant might be available at the auction. Although the jury is out, many people say his numbers in T20s are not that good, had only one breakthrough season in the IPL and hasn’t scored too many runs apart from that, I can give you in writing that the bank would be broken if his name comes in the auction,” Chopra commented.

Pant’s Price Might Go As High As INR 30 Crore

“RCB need a keeper, a batter, and maybe a captain. Punjab would need him as they won’t have anyone. Delhi would need him back, the RTM card would be available. KKR also need him. What about CSK, they would also need him. If Ishan Kishan is left out, Mumbai would also need him,” Chopra added.

Chopra therefore anticipates a fierce bidding war for Pant, potentially reaching INR 25-30 crore. “Everyone apart from Rajasthan Royals would need him. Gujarat will also need him. They don’t have a wicket-keeper,” he added.

READ ALSO | Mohammed Shami Uncertain About Future with Gujarat Titans Ahead of IPL Mega Auction

Notably, in the IPL 2024 season, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 innings with a strike rate of 155.40, highlighting his value as a T20 asset.