Rishabh Pant and Delhi Capitals owner Parth Jindal exchanged heartfelt messages after the keeper ended his nine-year association with the side following the 2025 IPL auction.
Pant was one of the notable omissions from the Capitals' retention list after the franchises finalised their squad following the deadline on October 31. He was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a record price in the mega auction. While the exact reason for Pant's non-retention isn’t known, he made a cryptic tweet suggesting he is unlikely to return to Capitals, refuting claims that his non-retention was about money.
In an emotional note on social media, the wicketkeeper-batter bid adieu to his former franchise.
"The journey with Delhi Capitals has been nothing short of amazing. From the thrills on the field to the moments off it, I've grown in ways I never imagined. I came here as a teenager and we grew together over the last nine years," Pant wrote on X.
"What made this journey all worthwhile is you, The fans. You've embraced me, cheered for me an stood by me in one of the toughest phases in my life. As I move on, I carry your love and support in my heart. I'll look forward to entertain you whenever I take the field. Thank you for being my family and making this journey so special."
.@DelhiCapitals 🙌#RP17 pic.twitter.com/DtMuJKrdIQ
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 26, 2024
DC co-owner: I hope one day we can reunite
In response, Capitals co-owner Jindal wrote an emotional parting message to their former captain and wished him well for his future endeavours.
"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," Jindal penned on X.
He added: "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!"
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…
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) November 26, 2024
Teams were ready to break the bank for Pant
Once Pant was released in the auction pool, he was expected to draw massive bids, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG and DC all trying to sign him up.
RCB backed out at INR 11 crore, while LSG and SRH shot the price to INR 20.50 core, after which SRH dropped out. DC pulled off a surprise by using the Right to Match card at the last minute, but it was eventually overpowered by LSG's record bid of INR 27 crore.
Pant debuted in IPL for the Capitals in 2016 and has only represented the franchise since then. He was made the captain in 2021 following Shreyas Iyer’s move to Kolkata Knight Riders after the latter guided the team to their first tournament final.
Despite a nearly fatal car accident ruling him out of the entire 2023 season, he was retained by the side. The mega auction ends his long-standing association with the Delhi-based side.
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