Rishabh Pant is set to be retained by the Delhi Capitals, putting an end to speculation about his future with the team.
This decision comes on the same day the 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman scored a remarkable century in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai.
It also dispels rumors of disagreements between Pant and the Capitals’ management over his retention fee, which had cast doubt on his continued presence with the franchise.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet announced the official retention rules, sources within the Delhi Capitals’ ownership group have revealed to Cricpulse that Pant will be the franchise’s top retention pick.
This decision was finalized following a recent meeting between Pant and co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai.
Pant’s current IPL salary is INR 16 crore, but this figure is expected to increase based on the total player purse and the retention guidelines set by the BCCI.
Pant captained the Capitals last year, although he missed the 2023 season due to an accident.
Since his return to competitive cricket, he has shown no signs of slowing down, displaying his sharp skills both behind and in front of the stumps.
His creative batting was on full display during his 109-run knock at Chepauk on Saturday.
In the 2024 IPL, his comeback season, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 155.
He is also the all-time leading run-scorer for the franchise, with 3,284 runs.
In addition to Pant, the management is expected to finalize other key retentions.
If the BCCI allows more than five players to be retained, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are likely to follow, with Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs as the potential overseas retentions.
Furthermore, if there is an option to retain uncapped players, 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel is expected to be among the retained players.
Delhi Capitals’ ownership alternates between the GMR and JSW Groups on a rolling two-year basis, with GMR currently at the helm.
While each co-owner manages the team independently, decisions on player retention and auctions are made jointly.
The BCCI is expected to announce the retention rules soon, with the auction scheduled for late November, possibly overseas, in locations like London or the Middle East.
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