Delhi Capitals have all but confirmed that Rishabh Pant will remain their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, quelling any rumors about his future with the franchise. Pant, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a cornerstone for the team and will be retained as their top choice ahead of the upcoming IPL mega auction.

Pant's retention comes after he delivered a stellar performance in the 2024 IPL, where he amassed 446 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155. In addition to his IPL success, Pant’s recent Test century against Bangladesh has further solidified his place as one of India's most dynamic cricketers. Despite earlier reports suggesting possible tension over his retention fee, the franchise confirmed that a recent meeting between Pant and co-owner Parth Jindal resolved any disagreements.

While Pant's current IPL salary stands at INR 16 crore, it is expected to increase based on the yet-to-be-released retention rules from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Pant, who missed the 2023 season due to a car accident, made a remarkable return in 2024 and remains Delhi Capitals' all-time leading run-scorer with 3,284 runs.

Delhi Capitals are likely to retain 5 players

In addition to Pant, Delhi Capitals are looking to retain key players like all-rounder Axar Patel and spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Overseas stars Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are also likely to be retained, depending on the final retention rules. Promising young wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel is another player the franchise is keen to secure if uncapped players can be retained.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, the retention rules are expected to be announced soon. Delhi Capitals, co-owned by GMR and JSW Groups, are gearing up for a crucial auction, aiming to improve their performance after narrowly missing out on the playoffs in 2024.

How the Five retained players complete Delhi Capitals?

Rishabh Pant's leadership and explosive batting remain central to Delhi's future plans, and his retention signals the franchise’s commitment to building a competitive team around their skipper as they chase their first IPL title.

For Axar Patel, the quality comes with both bat and ball. Axar's left-arm spin has elite potency to cause trouble in opponent batting, and his long handle also has the power to clear the fence.

With Australian maverick Jake-Fraser McGurk, DC will get the power at the top of the order, and the same is applicable for South Africa's Tristan Stubbs in the middle orders. The youngster is an excellent player of spin and can be their mainstay in the middle overs.

The fifth and another significant name is Kuldeep Yadav, whose weaving left-arm chinaman can trap any batter in any conditions. Kuldeep has been a revelation since joining the Capitals and will be keen to continue with them as well.