Delhi Capitals’ Retention Strategy: Aakash Chopra Advises Prioritizing Pant and Axar
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the Delhi Capitals (DC) to prioritize the retention of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Despite rumors of Pant’s potential departure, Chopra confirmed that the star player will remain with the Delhi-based franchise. He emphasized Pant’s importance as the team’s first retention, allocating a budget of Rs 18 crore for his services.
Chopra also highlighted Axar’s consistent performances, citing his contributions as a bowler, batter, and fielder. He believes that retaining Axar will save the team significant funds in the auction, as his value would be high if he were available.
For the third retention, Chopra identified a dilemma between Australian all-rounder Jake Fraser-McGurk and Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While he prefers an Indian player, he acknowledges the value of Fraser-McGurk and suggests using the Right To Match (RTM) card for one of them.
Chopra further recommended retaining Abishek Porel as the uncapped player, securing him at a lower price of Rs 4 crore. This move would leave DC with two RTM cards after retaining three capped players and Porel.
