In a surprising move, Rishabh Pant, the dynamic keeper-batter, has parted ways with Delhi Capitals (DC). This decision comes as the franchise, managed by GMR, officially released the star player, making him one of the most sought-after talents in the upcoming IPL auction.
DC has retained four players for the upcoming season: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Porel, and Tristan Stubbs. The recent management changes have sparked speculation, with Pant’s departure following intense negotiations over the past month. The appointment of Venugopal Rao as Director of Cricket and Hemang Badani as head coach has significantly influenced the team’s direction.
Sources reveal that GMR is also in discussions with former captain Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to its only final in 2020. With Iyer likely to be available after parting ways with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), his return to DC could reshape the team’s strategy.
The current management structure, which allows each co-owner to manage the team for two years, has been deemed complex and counterproductive. With GMR now taking control, a complete overhaul has been initiated.
Insiders indicate that Pant felt “hurt” by the recent developments, suggesting a deeper impact on his relationship with the franchise. As the IPL auction approaches, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings are expected to pursue Pant aggressively, potentially leading to a bidding war for the talented player.
