DC IPL 2025 Retentions: Rishabh Pant and Delhi Capitals part ways; What's next for the former franchise captain?

In a surprising turn, Pant and Delhi Capitals have parted ways for the upcoming season, marking the end of an era.

Now a free agent, Pant’s IPL future is highly anticipated, as several franchises are reportedly eager to sign the star keeper-batter including Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Rishabh Pant is one of India’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters. Known for his fearless approach and dynamic presence at the crease, making a name for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket.


Pant bats left-handed and has a style that combines unorthodox power with flair, making him a fan favorite. Over the years, he became the face of Delhi Capitals (DC) and has amassed an impressive IPL record, scoring 3,284 runs in 111 matches at an average of 35.31, with a career-best of 128* and a commendable strike rate.

Throughout his IPL career, Pant has slammed 1 century, 18 fifties, 296 fours, and 154 sixes, making him one of the most impactful batters in the league.

IPL journey with Delhi Capitals

Pant’s journey with Delhi Capitals began when he was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2018 auction after a stellar season where he came close to bagging the IPL Orange Cap.

His blistering form helped him become an essential asset for Delhi, who retained him as a core member of their squad for multiple seasons. In 2021, Pant was named captain of DC, a role he carried forward into the 2022 season, where he displayed growth as a leader.

By 2024, he was a marquee player, acquired once again by Delhi Capitals for a hefty ₹16 crore in the auction.

The 2022 accident and path to recovery

However, Pant’s trajectory took a challenging turn following a severe car accident in late 2022. The accident left him with multiple injuries, including damage to his ligaments and spine, and he faced a long road to recovery.

Cricket fans across the globe feared his playing days might be limited, but Pant’s determination saw him overcome these hurdles. His recovery was slow yet steady, and after months of rehabilitation, he made his comeback to cricket in 2024 with renewed vigour. He scored a remarkable Test century against Bangladesh earlier last month.

With Rishabh Pant no longer in the mix, Delhi Capitals are now on the lookout for a new captain for the 2025 IPL season. While Axar Patel is an in-house option, the franchise is expected to explore other captaincy candidates at the mega-auction.

Reports indicate that DC could make a strong bid for Shreyas Iyer, who previously led the team with success and has a deep understanding of the DC environment.