Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, has made headlines as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured his services for a record-breaking ₹27 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The southpaw, one of the marquee players of the auction, became the most expensive player in IPL history after a dramatic bidding war.
Rishabh Pant Stunning Departure from Delhi Capitals
Pant’s departure from Delhi Capitals (DC), where he began his IPL journey in 2016, came as a surprise to fans and franchises alike. Despite a mixed T20I record, Pant remains one of cricket’s most exciting talents, known for his explosive power-hitting and game-changing abilities. His success across formats, coupled with his IPL leadership experience, made him a prized asset in this year’s auction.
Bidding Frenzy for Pant
The battle for Pant began with LSG placing an opening bid of ₹2 crore. The intensity quickly escalated as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the fray, driving the bid past ₹10 crore. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the contest, pushing the price beyond ₹20 crore as RCB bowed out. Just when it seemed the bidding would end at ₹20.75 crore, Delhi Capitals exercised their RTM card.
However, LSG wasn’t backing down. They countered with a ₹27 crore bid, leaving DC unable to reclaim their star. With this deal, Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history.
Pant’s Journey: From Rising Talent to IPL Superstar
Pant’s IPL career began with DC in 2016, where he showed glimpses of his immense potential. His breakout season came in 2018, with a stunning 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate of 173.60. In 2021, he took over as DC captain, further cementing his legacy with the franchise.
After missing the 2023 season due to a serious accident, Pant made a roaring comeback in 2024, amassing 446 runs at a strike rate of over 155. Now, with LSG likely to hand him the captaincy, fans are eager to see how Pant will transform the team’s fortunes.
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What’s Next for Pant and LSG?
As the IPL gears up for its 2025 season, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant and his new franchise. With a record-breaking price tag and leadership expectations, the stage is set for the southpaw to shine in his new colors and steer LSG to glory.