The upcoming IPL mega-auction is set to witness a significant shake-up in team rosters, with several franchises eyeing the services of Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly likely to enter the auction pool due to his desire for captaincy, which the current DC management is hesitant to grant.
Pant, who has been with the Capitals since 2016, has emerged as a highly sought-after player. His exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities have made him a prime target for teams in need of a captain. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are believed to be particularly interested in acquiring Pant, as they seek a replacement for the retiring Dinesh Karthik.
Other franchises, including Lucknow Supergiants and Punjab Kings, are also expected to bid aggressively for Pant. Ricky Ponting, who has a close relationship with Pant from their time at the Capitals, is now in charge of the Punjab unit.
The mega-auction, scheduled for the last week of November, is expected to feature a large pool of Indian stars, including Shreyas Iyer, who is unlikely to be a top retention for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Mumbai Indians, with their star-studded roster, are the only team likely to retain a significant number of players.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have reportedly finalized their retention list, with Heinrich Klassen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma as their three picks. The Right To Match (RTM) card is expected to be used aggressively in the auction, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
