Potential for Rishabh Pant to Land Massive Payday in Auction if DC Decides to Release Him: RCB in Need of a Keeper

As the IPL Players' retention deadline draws near, rumors are circulating that Rishabh Pant, the Indian cricket sensation, may choose to part ways with the Delhi Capitals. After spending 11 seasons with the team, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman is reportedly considering entering the auction for the upcoming season in search of a fresh start. While there has been no official announcement on Pant's decision, some sources indicate that negotiations are still ongoing between him and the Capitals. If Pant ultimately decides to stay, it is rumored that he will be the top priority for the team with a hefty price tag of INR 18 crore. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra discussed Pant's IPL numbers, which he thinks don't justify his talent. He asserted that the star wicketkeeper will break the bank if he gets into the auction.

"It's being heard that Rishabh Pant might be available at the auction. Although the jury is out, many people say his numbers in T20s are not that good, had only one breakthrough season in the IPL and hasn't scored too many runs apart from that, I can give you in writing that the bank would be broken if his name comes in the auction," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra has also dissected the options for Pant and suggested that teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings will go after him all guns blazing in the auction.

"RCB need a keeper, a batter, and maybe a captain. Punjab would need him as they won't have anyone. Delhi would need him back, the RTM card would be available. KKR also need him. What about CSK, they would also need him. If Ishan Kishan is left out, Mumbai would also need him," Chopra added.

Chopra made an outlandish claim that the bidding war between the franchises will reach INR 25-30 crore, as every other team will look to acquire his services, apart from Rajasthan Royals.

"Why would LSG not be interested even if they retain Nicholas Pooran? Everyone apart from Rajasthan would need him. Gujarat will also need him. They don't have a keeper. So overall, Rishabh Pant will get a lot of money. He might go for 25-30 crores," he observed.