Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar Weigh in on Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh Chances in IPL Auction 2025

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With the IPL 2025 auction just days away, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar have shared their thoughts on the future of key players like Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh. Speaking on Star Sports, the former Indian cricketers offered insights into possible team strategies and dynamics.

Rishabh Pant and Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant, who was surprisingly released by Delhi Capitals despite being a central figure for the franchise, has sparked discussions about his potential return. Sunil Gavaskar expressed confidence that Delhi would pursue Pant during the auction.

"Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in their squad," Gavaskar stated. "Sometimes, disagreements over retention fees can arise, but Delhi needs a captain, and if Pant is not in their squad, they'll have to find a new leader. My feeling is that Delhi will definitely go for him."

Responding to Gavaskar's comments in a tweet, Pant clarified, "My retention wasn't about the money for sure, that I can say." Pant has been a key performer for Delhi, with over 3,200 runs in 111 matches. Despite his absence in IPL 2023 due to a car accident, he returned in IPL 2024, leading the team as captain and scoring 446 runs.

Arshdeep Singh and Punjab Kings

Sanjay Manjrekar provided his analysis on Punjab Kings' decision to release Arshdeep Singh, their second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 19 scalps. While Manjrekar acknowledged that Arshdeep may not be as formidable as he was five years ago, he remains optimistic about Punjab reacquiring him.

"Punjab Kings have released many players to rebuild their core, but they'll definitely want Arshdeep back," Manjrekar said. "He's still capable of delivering wickets with the new ball and in the death overs."

Manjrekar also discussed the challenges Mohammed Shami might face in the auction. "Shami's injury concerns could reduce his price tag despite his class. Teams may be cautious about investing heavily due to the risk of mid-season breakdowns," he observed.

As the IPL 2025 auction unfolds from November 24-25, the strategies surrounding key players like Pant and Arshdeep will shape the fortunes of franchises eager to rebuild for the upcoming season.