Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that Rishabh Pant would go for INR 25-30 crores if he is released into the auction by Delhi Capitals. Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40 and finished as DC’s highest run-getter after making a comeback from multiple serious injuries, which he suffered in a horrific car accident.
Ergo, Pant was added to India’s T20 World Cup squad. Pant was backed by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to bat at number three and scored 171 runs in eight matches at an average of 24.43 to play an instrumental role in the team’s success.
Pant has scored 3284 runs in 111 IPL matches at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93. Chopra reckons every team would want a player like Rishabh Pant.
“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,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“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.
The renowned commentator feels Pant will get a whopping amount in the auction if DC doesn’t retain him.
“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.
Meanwhile, Chopra believes Chennai Super Kings might go for KL Rahul if he isn’t retained by Lucknow Super Giants before the auction.
“The same is true for KL Rahul. Again a wicketkeeper-batter and he scores 500-600 runs every year. Some people might cry over his strike rate but I saw a meme somewhere that he is more than 30 years old, married, and everyone is saying he is finished, so CSK might take him as such players go there and, as they say, the rest is history,” he said.
Chopra noted that other franchises will also be interested in bagging the services of KL Rahul.
“He can go to Bengaluru as well. Of course, it’s his home as well. All the same franchises – Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, where his numbers are very good, Kolkata – everyone needs him,” Chopra noted.
All 10 IPL teams are set to release their retention list before the deadline, which is 5 PM, 31st October.
