Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant shared an emotional farewell to Delhi Capitals (DC) after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Rishabh Pant expressed gratitude for his journey with Delhi Capitals, adding that he had grown through his time with the franchise over nine years.
Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history during the mega auction. The southpaw secured a ₹27 crore contract with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pant surpassed the previous record of ₹26.75 crore set by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Shreyas Iyer just minutes earlier.
Nothing Short Of Amazing – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh said that goodbyes are never easy, adding that his journey with Delhi Capitals has been nothing short of amazing. He also thanked the fans for their unwavering support, especially during challenging times. Pant said that he is looking forward to entertaining them in the future.
“Goodbyes are never easy,” Pant wrote.
“The journey with Delhi Capitals has been nothing short of amazing. From the thrills on the field to the moments off it, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I came here as a teenager and we grew together over the last nine years,” he added.
“What made this journey all worthwhile is you, The fans.. You’ve embraced me, cheered for me and stood by me in one of the toughest phases of my life.
“As I move on, I carry your love and support in my heart. I’ll look forward to entertain you whenever I take the field. Thank you for being my family and making this journey so special🙌🤗,” he concluded.
.@DelhiCapitals 🙌#RP17 pic.twitter.com/DtMuJKrdIQ
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 26, 2024
Delhi Capitals Decide Not to Buy Rishabh Pant for ₹27 Crores
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made the first bid for Pant in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) took the price to ₹20.75 crore.
Delhi Capitals used their Right to Match (RTM) card to stay in the race. However, under the new auction rules, LSG got a chance to increase their bid, reaching ₹27 crore, and DC chose not to match it.
Rishabh Pant’s IPL Batting Statistics:
After missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, Pant made a remarkable comeback in 2024, scoring 446 runs in 13 matches at an average of over 40 and a strike rate of 155.40. Pant, who was the captain of Delhi Capitals since IPL 2021, is now a potential captaincy option for Lucknow Super Giants.
| Season | M | R | HS | Avg | S/R | 100 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 446 | 88* | 40.55 | 155.40 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 14 | 340 | 44 | 30.91 | 151.79 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 419 | 58* | 34.91 | 128.52 | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 | 14 | 343 | 56 | 31.18 | 113.95 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 16 | 488 | 78* | 37.53 | 162.66 | 0 | 3 |
| 2018 | 14 | 684 | 128* | 52.61 | 173.60 | 1 | 5 |
| 2017 | 14 | 366 | 97 | 26.14 | 165.61 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 10 | 198 | 69 | 24.75 | 130.26 | 0 | 1 |
| All IPL | 111 | 3,284 | 128* | 35.31 | 148.93 | 1 | 18 |
Also read: Gautam Gambhir leaves Team India midway through Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25