On the day of the IPL 2025 retention, Rishabh Pant left the Delhi Capitals (DC) after nine seasons in order to participate in the mega-auction. The former DC captain was the most expensive buy and created history at the mega-auction in Jeddah Saudi Arabia.
For Rs 27 crore, Rishabh joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). One day following the IPL 2025 mega-auction, DC co-owner Parth Jindal wrote a heartfelt letter for Rishabh. Parth referred to Rishabh as his younger brother and expressed his sadness at his departure from DC.
"To Rishabh @RishabhPant17 you are and will always remain my younger brother - from the bottom of my heart I love you and I have tried everything to make sure you are happy and have treated you like my family. I am very sad to see you go and I am very emotional about it. You will always be in DC and I hope one day we can reunite. Thank you for everything Rishabh and remember that we will always love you - go well champ, the world is at your feet. Best wishes from all of us at @DelhiCapitals - other than when you play DC I will be cheering and hoping for the best for you!" Parth wrote on X.
In 2016, Rishabh began playing for DC in the IPL. The homegrown player was kept by the Delhi-based team before to the IPL 2018 and 2022 mega-auctions. He became DC's captain before the 2021 IPL. Even after Shreyas returned for the second half of the 2021 Indian Premier League, DC continued to support Rishabh and kept him as captain. Iyer was released by DC, but Rishabh was kept. Under Rishabh's leadership, they were unable to participate in a final.
DC's attempt to re-sign Rishabh Pant
After Rishabh Pant was sold to the Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 20.75 crore, the Delhi Capitals attempted to re-sign him at the IPL 2025 mega-auction by using their Right to Match card. DC did not match LSG's increased bid of Rs 27 crore. It appears that Rishabh will assume leadership of LSG in 2025. Notably, KL Rahul, the former captain of LSG, participated in the mega-auction and has joined DC.
