IPL 2025 Mega Auction: All eyes on Rishabh Pant

November 24, 2024 15:32

Welcome to the live coverage of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, hosted for the first time in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The stage is set for an exhilarating two-day event where 577 players will go under the hammer, and franchises will bid fiercely to secure their favorites from a combined purse of Rs 641.5 crore.

At the center of all the buzz is none other than Rishabh Pant.

Known for his fearless stroke play, including his jaw-dropping no-look six in the ongoing Perth Test, Pant is primed to become the most expensive player in this year's auction. His decision to leave the Delhi Capitals has only heightened the intrigue, making him a hot commodity for all 10 franchises.

With the largest auction purse of Rs 110.5 crore and only two uncapped players retained, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in pole position to secure marquee players. Former Delhi Capitals mentor and current PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting has openly acknowledged Pant as a top target.

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the auction, Ponting expressed excitement but cautioned about strategic spending.

"Rishabh is going to be a target for most teams, especially those with bigger purses," Ponting remarked.

"We might have the biggest purse, but once we lock in three or four key players, our budget will align with others. It's all about sticking to our strategy and ensuring we fill our top slots wisely."

Ponting hinted that while Pant remains a priority, PBKS will also focus on other players to create a balanced squad.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), armed with Rs 83 crore, and Delhi Capitals (DC), with Rs 73 crore and a Right to Match (RTM) card, are expected to mount serious challenges for Pant.

However, it's understood that Pant has reservations about DC using the RTM card. Reports suggest his split with the franchise wasn't amicable, and he prefers a fresh start elsewhere.

The auction dynamics promise to be fascinating, especially for teams with limited budgets. PBKS may hold the largest purse, but the competition is fierce. As Ponting aptly put it:

"Every franchise will have their eye on Pant, but it's about executing the right strategy to ensure we emerge stronger as a team."

Stay tuned as the bidding war unfolds. Will Punjab Kings break the bank for Rishabh Pant?

Or will another franchise swoop in to make the winning bid? The drama is just getting started!

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