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The Delhi Capitals have confirmed their decision to retain star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, ending speculations regarding his future with the franchise. This confirmation comes on the heels of Pant's impressive performance in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he scored a century, showcasing his remarkable return to form after a debilitating accident in 2023. The decision also dispels rumors of a rift between Pant and the Capitals' management regarding his retention fee, a matter that had previously clouded his future with the team.
Sources within Delhi Capitals have revealed that Pant will be their top retention choice, even though the official retention rules have yet to be announced by the BCCI. This decision was finalized after a meeting between Pant and co-owner Parth Jindal in Mumbai. Pant's current IPL salary stands at a hefty Rs 16 crore, a figure that is expected to increase following the implementation of the new retention fee guidelines by the BCCI. The Capitals' management is clearly confident in Pant's abilities and his potential contribution to the team's success in the upcoming IPL season.
Besides Pant, the Delhi Capitals are also expected to retain several other key players. The franchise is considering retaining Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, both of whom have proven to be crucial assets to the team over the years. As for overseas players, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs are in line for retention if the BCCI allows for more than five player retentions. Furthermore, if uncapped player retentions are permitted, the Capitals are likely to retain 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhishek Porel. The management's strategic retention choices reflect their commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the upcoming IPL season.
The Delhi Capitals' franchise is jointly managed by the GMR and JSW Groups, with each group alternating control every two years. Currently, the GMR Group is at the helm. Despite the independent management styles of each co-owner, decisions regarding retentions and auctions are made jointly through mutual agreement. This collaborative approach ensures that the franchise's interests are aligned and that all decisions are made in the best interests of the team. With their core players secured, the Delhi Capitals are poised for a successful campaign in the IPL 2025 season, aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2020.
Source: Rishabh Pant likely to be Delhi Capitals' top retention choice ahead of IPL 2025