Sunny Gavaskar, stumped Rishabh Pant, ahead of IPL auction!

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Cricket and commerce are often debated by fans in casual conversations as well as on social media. So, it was no surprise to see on Tuesday (November 19), that Sunil Gavaskar talked in a promo for the IPL auction on the official broadcast handle (X) about how Rishabh Pant could return to the Delhi Capitals through the forthcoming auction in Saudi Arabia.

It was a comment that the former India captain seems to have made not knowing fully well what went wrong between Pant and DC this time around. Contrary to the perception that it was a change in who will run cricketing matters who saw Pant opt out of DC, there was always more to it than meets the eye.

Pant is a jovial character and values his free speech, pranks and laughter. So, in the middle of a Test match eve practice session in Perth, it was surprising to read a comment from Pant’s handle which went as follows: “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say.”

It is a clear slap from Pant to what Gavaskar has said. It tells you a few things about the Delhi superstar, he is not going to keep quiet nor is he going to let anyone bully him. Anyone who has followed Pant knows he is a funny guy, yet at the same time, he will not take things lying down.

As one who has battled his way back into cricket after staring at near death in 2022, Pant is enjoying his cricket. What he has not been enjoying is his stay at the Delhi Capitals, as a result, he walked out. Truth is, Pant chose to say no to DC, and not vice versa.

So, what prompted Gavaskar to say that Pant could or would come back to Delhi Capitals? Does he have 'inside news,’ which he is not supposed to? Or, did Gavaskar step out of the crease and was stumped, to borrow a cricketing phrase?

It is well-known Pant is not a guy who likes to pick a fight. Yes, he will crack jokes and needle rival players. At the same time, do not treat Pant as submissive or soft. His riposte to Sunny G is so typical of the character we know as Pant. It is a clear sign he is ready to go to any franchise other than Delhi.

Whether it is Chennai, Punjab or Bengaluru, nobody knows. At the same time, if Gavaskar was asked to say these lines by someone, it was in bad taste. As a commentator on cricket and columnist for several years, Gavaskar must value freedom of speech. Just because you are getting paid does not mean you become a parrot.

Last, if what’s playing out is true, Gavaskar did not need this insulting reply from Rishabh Pant. He asked for it and has been known to bait cricketers in the past as well. Never too late to learn a lesson from a youngster like Pant who cares two hoots about former greats when they needle him!