Rishabh Pant’s departure from the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 auction has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. After years of being the face of the franchise, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter opted to test the waters, eventually becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. Delhi Capitals’ head coach Hemang Badani has now shed light on the underlying reasons behind this surprising move, offering a perspective that contrasts sharply with earlier statements by DC co-owner Parth Jindal.
A Bold Move for a Bigger Market Value
Hemang Badani, in a candid conversation on Subramaniam Badrinath’s podcast Cric It with Badri, revealed that Pant’s decision to leave Delhi Capitals was largely driven by financial aspirations. According to Badani, the 26-year-old star was adamant about going into the auction to explore his market value. “He wanted not to be retained,” said Badani. “He felt he was worth more than the INR 18 crore cap for retained players. And at the end of the day, the market agreed—he fetched a record-breaking INR 27 crore from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).” Delhi Capitals made every effort to retain their marquee player, even using their Right to Match (RTM) card to bid INR 21 crore. However, LSG’s staggering final bid of INR 27 crore sealed the deal, leaving DC to look for new leadership and star power.
DC’s Emotional Farewell
While Pant’s departure has been framed as a professional decision, it has undeniably left an emotional void in the Delhi Capitals’ camp. DC co-owner Parth Jindal took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a heartfelt note, emphasizing his enduring bond with Pant. “You will always be in DC, and I hope one day we can reunite,” Jindal wrote, expressing his love and gratitude for the player who had grown with the franchise since its earlier days as the Delhi Daredevils. However, Jindal also hinted that feedback given to Pant during his tenure might not have been well-received, suggesting that emotions played a part in his decision to leave.
Contradicting Narratives: Money vs. Emotion
The narratives surrounding Pant’s exit have been complex. While Badani pointed to financial motivations, Pant himself denied money being the deciding factor. “My retention wasn’t about the money, for sure,” Pant clarified on X, responding to speculation surrounding his departure. This statement seemed to contradict Badani’s account but aligned with Jindal’s earlier comments about the emotional dynamics within the franchise.
Such contrasting explanations only add to the intrigue surrounding Pant’s move to LSG. Was it purely a calculated financial decision, or did personal dynamics within DC influence his choice?
Impact on Delhi Capitals
Rishabh Pant’s exit leaves a significant gap in the Delhi Capitals’ setup. As a player and leader, Pant was instrumental in taking DC to new heights in recent seasons. His explosive batting, sharp wicketkeeping, and charismatic presence made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team’s strategies. Coach Hemang Badani acknowledged this, stating, “We will obviously miss him. He is a very good player. But life goes on.”
DC now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their squad and identifying a leader capable of filling Pant’s shoes. The team’s management must also address the emotional and professional fallout among players and fans.
A Historic Auction and New Beginnings
The IPL 2025 auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, made headlines for Pant’s record-breaking price tag. His move to LSG marks a new chapter in his career, positioning him as the focal point of a team with championship ambitions. For Pant, this move signifies a fresh start, an opportunity to lead a new franchise and solidify his legacy in the IPL. For Delhi Capitals, it’s a moment of reflection and reinvention.
