On the deadline day for the announcement of the retention list, Delhi Capitals have released their captain Rishabh Pant. Only four players have been retained and Pant is not one of them.

There was news of disagreement between Pant and DC management for a while. As per the reports, Pant wished to continue as the Delhi-based franchise while the management had other ideas. Pant also wanted to play a role in the appointment of coaches and staff, but the majority of the management was not convinced.

Pant joined Delhi back in 2016 when the franchise was named Delhi Daredevils. Till now he played 111 games for DC and scored a total of 3284 runs. With 18 half-centuries and one century Pant has been one of the best batters ever for the Capitals.

Delhi Capitals: What Is Pant’s Current Salary? What Will be His Future in the IPL Auction?

In the last IPL mega auction in 2021 Pant was retained by Delhi Capitals for Rs.16 Cr. In these years, from an emerging player, Pant positioned himself as an icon of Indian cricket. Now that he has been released, he will enter the upcoming auction. According to the experts, a massive rise in salary can be expected for this player.

As many franchises will be looking for an option to lead their team, Pant could be an ideal target.

Pant’s move has been welcomed warmly by the opponent fan base, resonating with his popularity among Indian cricket fans. But for DC fans, this could be heartbreaking, as the long journey from 2016 is finally coming to an end in 2024.

Not only the fans, former players and experts also commented on this move. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan showed his disagreement with this decision and warned the franchise of having a 'Real loss’.

He posted on X, “Hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant. His potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive.”

Where can Rishabh Pant play in IPL 2025?

Rishabh Pant can make a move to any of the remaining franchises in the mega auction. The southpaw will have no shortage of takers and the likes of Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru - who have a comparatively bigger purse, will be eying to bring in the India star.