The cricket world was taken by surprise when Rishabh Pant’s name was notably absent from Delhi Capitals’ retained players list, ending his nine-year tenure with the franchise. The announcements, made on October 31 by all ten IPL franchises, confirmed that Delhi Capitals chose to retain players like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel. This decision effectively marked the departure of Rishabh Pant, who had served as the team’s captain and been a pivotal figure in their lineup.
According to a report, Pant’s exit was driven by deeper issues beyond financial concerns. Sources indicate that the wicketkeeper-batter felt his influence within the team was diminishing due to changes in management. The report highlights that Pant was unhappy with the direction the franchise was taking, particularly the increased control by GMR, the co-owners, set to oversee the team’s operations for the next two years.
Additionally, Pant reportedly disagreed with the franchise’s new coaching appointments. Hemang Badani’s recent promotion to head coach and Y. Venugopal Rao’s appointment as the director of cricket were moves Pant was said to be dissatisfied with. The report mentions, “In case of Pant, more than money, he was not happy about his powers being curbed by GMR, the co-owners, who will run the show for the next two years. He was also, it is learnt, not happy with Hemang Badani as head coach and Y Venugopal Rao as Team Director.”
Pant’s departure signals a significant shift for Delhi Capitals, as they part ways with a player who was not only their captain but also a mainstay in the team since his IPL debut. For Pant, this could mean a fresh start with a new franchise where he might find a role more aligned with his leadership style and influence.
