Rishabh Pant to fetch ₹25-28 crore at IPL auction: Uthappa
What's the story
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa has predicted that Rishabh Pant could fetch ₹25-28 crore in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction.
The ex-Delhi Capitals skipper and star wicketkeeper-batter is among the top-tier players expected to attract significant attention at the event. Notably, DC parted ways with Pant ahead of the auction.
The auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Bidding anticipation
Uthappa identifies potential bidders for Pant
Uthappa has named a few franchises such as Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as potential bidders for Pant.
He said on JioCinema that "Pant will definitely get the big bucks and become the highest-paid player in this auction."
He then speculated which teams could afford Pant at such high rates.
Departure
Pant's departure from Delhi Capitals
Pant was a vital cog for Delhi Capitals, having served the franchise for nine years.
In his tenure, he featured in 111 matches and scored 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31 at a strike rate of 148.93. His remarkable performance features a century and 18 half-centuries.
However, DC have now released him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Auction predictions
Chopra echoes Uthappa's predictions about Pant
Cricket commentator Aakash Chopra has echoed Uthappa's predictions, stating that Pant could become the most expensive player in IPL history.
He suggested if there is a good rapport between Pant and PBKS, they might aggressively bid for him. Or RCB could be a likely destination for Pant.
But he believes other teams will also show interest in the player.
Player forecasts
Uthappa's predictions for other players in IPL auction
Beyond Pant, Uthappa also predicted other players in the upcoming IPL auction.
He said the Capitals may try to get Shreyas Iyer back, who was with the franchise from 2015-2021.
He predicted Iyer could fetch between ₹15-20 crore, while Faf du Plessis could go for over ₹10 crore.
Young talent
Uthappa's predictions for young Indian cricketers
Uthappa also emphasized the role of young Indian cricketers such as Nehal Wadhera and Ashutosh Sharma in a team's success.
He said these players could go for over ₹8 crore each in the auction.
Meanwhile, Chopra said Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk could be on Punjab Kings's radar because of his association with coach Ricky Ponting.