IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant to be Delhi Capitals' top retention choice

Delhi Capitals are gearing up to retain skipper Rishabh Pant as their top choice for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been a key player of the Delhi franchise since his debut and with 3284 runs to his name, he is the all-time leading scorer for the franchise. 

Despite missing the 2023 IPL season following a horrific accident in December 2022, Pant has made a roaring comeback in 2024. The last edition season saw him smash 446 runs in just 13 games, at a strike rate of 155. Furthermore, his recent Test century against Bangladesh in Chennai shows his value not just to Delhi, but to Indian cricket as a whole.

As per a Cricbuzz report, the retention decision was finalised following a crucial meeting between Pant and Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai. The meeting not only secured Pant's future with the team but also put an end to rumors of any discord between the player and management regarding his retention fee.

Also Read: Watch: Rishabh Pant prays to his bat before going out to bat, video goes viral

DC eye to retain Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce official retention rules, sources within the DC ownership group have confirmed their intention to prioritise the southpaw. His current IPL salary of INR 16 crore is expected to see a significant increase once the purse details are announced by the board.

Other then their skipper, the Capitals' plan to secure other key players such as Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, along with overseas talents Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs. The franchise is also eyeing young wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel in the uncapped player retention category.