IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals likely to retain 3 Indian Players, Star India duo may be released

Rishabh Pant is set to stay with Delhi Capitals (DC) despite rumours suggesting him leaving the franchise ahead of IPL 2025.

A report from OnManorama claims that the wicketkeeper-batter will not be leaving the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Since Saturday, media reports have speculated about Pant's potential move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Many have claimed that the southpaw will be the long-term replacement for MS Dhoni at the franchise.

Rishabh Pant has been a mainstay at Delhi Capitals since 2016. Over the years, he has amassed 3,284 runs in 111 games, averaging 35.31 at a strike rate of 148.93. As captain in IPL seasons 2021, 2022, and 2024, Pant has also excelled as a leader at the franchise.

DC may keep Axar and Kuldeep

The report also claims that Delhi Capitals are looking to keep two more Indian stars - Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. The Indian trio was part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad.

The Capitals Head of Cricket Sourav Ganguly has reportedly given green light to these retentions if the four-member retention policy is retained. After the departure of Ricky Ponting as head coach, the franchise is also in search of a new coach.

There is no official word on player retention or salaries yet. The Right to Match (RTM) option's availability at the mega auction remains unclear. Franchise owners will meet with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the end of this month.

DC to release Indian Pacer duo

But the Capitals may release the current India pacers, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed. The latter was part of the travelling reserves in the T20 World Cup, and is set to play for the team in Sri Lanka. Mukesh also had a decent outing in the Zimbabwe series where he picked up 8 wickets in three matches.