After Rishabh Pant's release from Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings are the top contenders to sign him in IPL 2025 Auction.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have emerged as a leading contender to secure Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2025 auction, following a whirlwind of developments that have pushed Pant into the auction pool. PBKS stands out due to its substantial remaining budget, making it a strong potential landing spot for the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman.
The timing of Pant’s availability couldn’t be more opportune for PBKS, which currently lacks a seasoned captain after Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement and several inconsistent seasons. While Pant’s departure from Delhi Capitals has been a surprising turn of events, his move to PBKS would mark a new chapter for both the franchise and the player.
For PBKS, who have retained only two uncapped players this season in Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, Pant’s acquisition would fill a crucial leadership role, while also adding a dynamic batting force to the team.
Punjab’s positioning is further solidified by their significant auction purse, standing at INR 110.5 crore.
This figure is notably higher than those of several other franchises, including Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), each of which is also expected to seek a new captain. Besides these teams, reports also state that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are also interested in Pant as they are looking at him as someone who can carry MS Dhoni’s legacy forward.
While these franchises have maintained relatively conservative budgets following their retentions, PBKS’s sizable war chest offers them the flexibility to outbid rivals if Pant becomes a target in a competitive auction.
This financial leverage gives PBKS a decisive edge, allowing them to pursue Pant without sacrificing their plans for other high-profile acquisitions. They can be expected to break the bank for Pant.
Adding to PBKS’s advantage is the relationship Pant shares with their head coach, Ricky Ponting. The two developed a close rapport during their time together at Delhi Capitals, where Ponting, as head coach, was instrumental in guiding Pant’s growth as a leader and player.
Known for his aggressive cricketing philosophy, Ponting has often spoken highly of Pant’s fearless approach, a quality he has encouraged and nurtured. This camaraderie could offer PBKS a seamless integration should Pant join, fostering a familiar environment that aligns with both his playing style and Ponting’s strategic outlook.
Such a dynamic between coach and captain would be a rare asset in the IPL, potentially making PBKS a more cohesive unit.
If PBKS secures Pant, the franchise will not only acquire a capable leader but also elevate its brand value by bringing in a fan-favourite player known for his explosive batting. Pant’s appeal extends beyond his performance, as he embodies the aggressive, high-stakes approach IPL audiences adore.
A move to PBKS could rejuvenate his career following a challenging stint with Delhi and recent injuries, offering him a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild under Ponting’s guidance.
Yet, the competition for Pant’s services is expected to be fierce. RCB, KKR, and LSG are all reportedly in search of a captain and have their own reasons to pursue Pant. Each franchise would benefit from a player with Pant’s skills and leadership potential.
However, PBKS’s substantial budget grants them the freedom to potentially outbid these teams and still retain the resources needed to strengthen their squad in other areas. This advantage could prove pivotal in a high-stakes auction where top talents, including Pant, will likely attract record-breaking bids.
In the lead-up to the auction, PBKS’s strategic planning and deep pockets have positioned them as frontrunners in the bid for Pant. Their acquisition strategy, combined with Pant’s rapport with Ponting and the franchise’s need for a reliable captain, shows why PBKS is widely considered the leading contender to sign him.
If PBKS succeeds, this move could signify a new era for the franchise, with Pant at the forefront of a promising lineup designed for a championship pursuit.
