Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @rishabpant
Following his impressive century (109) in the second innings of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai on September 21, media reports indicated that India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to be Delhi Capitals‘ top retention pick.
“Sources within the Delhi Capitals’ ownership group have revealed that Pant will be the franchise’s top retention choice. This decision was finalised following a recent meeting between Pant and co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai,” Cricbuzz wrote.
“Pant’s current IPL salary is INR 16 crore, but this figure is expected to go up based on the total player purse allowed to a franchise and the retention fee guidelines set by the BCCI,” the report further added.
There have been rumors of a rift between Delhi Capitals’ ownership and Rishabh Pant. However, the 26-year-old has been in excellent form since his return to cricket after a serious car accident in 2022.
IPL 2024 marked Pant’s comeback, his first appearance since December 2022. Despite leading the team, Delhi Capitals failed to reach the playoffs. Ricky Ponting, then head coach, was removed after the season. Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches, with a strike rate of 155.
Delhi Capitals is jointly owned by the GMR and JSW conglomerates, who make decisions on retentions and auctions. The team alternates management of playing seasons every two years.
Despite reaching the final in 2020 and making the playoffs five other times, the Capitals have yet to win an IPL title. Pant remains the franchise’s top scorer with 3,284 runs in 111 matches since 2016.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL governing council have yet to clarify the rules or dates for IPL retention.
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