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AB de Villiers, a former South African cricket captain, has expressed strong doubts about Royal Challengers Bangalore's chances of acquiring Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. De Villiers believes Pant's exceptional talent and high demand will translate into a hefty price tag, making it difficult for RCB to secure his services. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, de Villiers stated that he considers it "incredibly unlikely" for RCB to obtain Pant, given the fierce competition from other franchises eager to sign him.
De Villiers' assessment is based on the understanding that Pant's value is immense within the IPL landscape. With a distinguished career with the Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2016, Pant amassed an impressive 3,284 runs in 111 matches, averaging 148.93. He's also contributed significantly to DC's success, propelling them to the playoffs in 2021. While DC's performance has been less impressive in recent years, Pant's individual form remains strong, as evidenced by his 446 runs in 13 matches during the 2024 season.
De Villiers' prediction points towards Punjab Kings as the most likely destination for Pant. He believes that the strong connection between Pant and Ricky Ponting, a key figure in the Punjab Kings' setup, will be a decisive factor in attracting Pant to the franchise. Although de Villiers acknowledges that anything can happen, his intuition suggests that Punjab Kings will be willing to make a substantial financial investment to secure Pant's services.
Despite his prediction about Pant's likely move to Punjab Kings, de Villiers recognizes the potential for RCB to benefit from Pant's inclusion in their squad. However, he emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the bowling department, particularly seeking a world-class spinner and local talent. He encourages RCB to focus on building a strong bowling unit, a crucial element in shaping a successful team.
Source: Incredibly unlikely RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant: AB De Villiers