Rishabh Pant recently hinted at a potential rift with the Delhi Capitals (DC) management following his non-retention ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction.
This situation has sparked considerable discussion among fans and cricket analysts alike.
Pant, a key player for the Delhi Capitals since 2016, was not retained by the franchise for the upcoming IPL season.
Instead, DC retained players like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel, leaving Pant out of their plans despite his status as the franchise’s all-time leading run-scorer.
His absence from the retention list has raised eyebrows, especially given his leadership role prior to his injury in 2023.
Cryptic Social Media Posts
The situation escalated when Rishabh Pant took to social media after India’s recent Test loss to New Zealand, posting a cryptic message: “Sometimes it’s best to just be quiet and let God show people”.
This post ignited speculation about whether it was directed at team captain Rohit Sharma or the Delhi Capitals management. Fans interpreted it as a sign of discontent with either party, further fueling rumors of a rift1.
Rishabh Pant’s Clarification
In response to speculation regarding his retention, Pant clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that financial reasons were not behind his non-retention.
He stated: “My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say,” suggesting that other underlying issues may have influenced the decision.
Reports indicate that there were disagreements over leadership roles and coaching staff appointments within the DC setup, which could have contributed to his departure from the team.
Management’s Perspective
Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals, acknowledged that strategic decisions had to be made during the retention process.
He emphasized that while they valued Pant’s contributions, they needed to build a balanced squad and thus could not retain him as captain.
The management’s decision reportedly stemmed from concerns about Pant’s leadership capabilities in T20 formats and their desire for a different direction moving forward.
Future Implications
As Pant enters the auction pool, he is expected to attract significant interest from other franchises looking for a captain or key player.
His past performances and experience make him a valuable asset in the competitive IPL landscape.
The Delhi Capitals have indicated that they might use their Right to Match (RTM) cards to bring him back if he becomes available at auction.
