Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan wants Delhi Capitals to retain Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. 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 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. But it has been reported that Pant might not be retained by the Capitals, who have reportedly retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel. 

“Hoping Delhi also works to keep Rishabh Pant—his potential as both a player and captain, along with his market value, is massive,” Irfan wrote on X.

On the other hand, Pathan urged Kolkata Knight Riders to retain their skipper Shreyas Iyer, who had led the franchise to glory in the previous season of the IPL.

“If Shreyas Iyer isn’t retained after leading the team to an IPL title, it’d be a real loss,” Irfan added in his tweet.

The Mumbai batter scored 351 runs in 14 innings at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 146.86 in IPL 2024. The right-hander has scored 3127 runs in 115 IPL matches at an average of 32.24 and a strike rate of 127.48.

It has been reported that KKR is unlikely to retain Iyer. All the 10 IPL teams are expected to release their retention list before 5 PM, 31st October.