IPL 2025: 4 franchises who will be in race to sign Rishabh Pant if he parts ways with Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant has recently been in the headlines due to speculations about him potentially leaving the franchise to join Chennai Super Kings.

The rumours started to do the rounds as CSK will most likely be in the hunt for a fresh wicketkeeper, with the senior pro MS Dhoni, probably changing a mentor or coaching role from next season.

Pant has been a cornerstone of the DC since his IPL debut in 2016. His journey with the franchise has been marked by terrific performances and leadership, earning him the captaincy in recent seasons. Since he has a deep-rooted connection with DC, where he started his IPL career, it is unlikely that he will part ways with the franchise.

The Delhi-franchise has shown unwavering support for him, especially during his injury crisis. Nobody can predict the future but in case, the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter parts ways with the franchise, other teams will enter the race to recruit his services.

Which four IPL teams will be in the race to buy Rishabh Pant?

1. Chennai Super Kings: The speculation about Pant potentially joining CSK has created excitement within the cricketing fraternity, as the fans are pretty much thrilled by the idea of a Dhoni-Pant liaison.

Such a move could see Pant flourish under Dhoni's mentorship without the shadow of a doubt. Moreover, MS Dhoni's future at CSK remains uncertain, considering his age and this gives us a hunch that CSK will be in the race to sign Pant.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru: The Bengaluru-based franchise immensely benefitted from Dinesh Karthik's services as an aggressive wicketkeeper-batter. However, the senior cricketer parted ways with RCB following the IPL 2024 season.

As a result, RCB will be in search of a new wicketkeeper who possesses striking batting abilities and sharp wicket keeping traits. Rishabh Pant has all the qualities and the RCB wouldn't hesitate to break the bank to sign him.

3. Gujarat Titans: There is a possibility that Gujarat Titans might release the 39-year-old Wriddhiman Saha ahead of the next auction. If that's the case, they will be one of the franchises to enter the race to target Rishabh Pant if the latter decides to leave Delhi Capitals.

This potential move would do a world of good to the Ahmedabad-based franchise, as Pant's explosive batting and exceptional wicket keeping skills would add a great dimension to their lineup. Additionally, he might also be able to join hands with Shubman Gill in leadership, which might elevate GT's performance in the upcoming seasons.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad: The Orange Army finished as the runners-up of the IPL 2024 edition as they surrendered at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders in the showdown.

SRH have Heinrich Klaasen as their primary wicketkeeper but they lack a proven Indian wicket keeping option in the first place. They will be one of the teams who might show a great deal of interest to sign Rishabh Pant, in case the latter leaves the Delhi-based franchise.