On Friday, when the IPL retentions were announced, it was amply clear that DC was not going to retain their former skipper Rishabh Pant. Contrasting reports suggested that the fall out was over money, and also Pant wasn’t too chuffed about Shreyas Iyer’s possible move to DC. So, whatever the reason be, now the southpaw batter isn’t with the team.
Rishabh Pant Not Retained by DC
There were many speculations, that, that might prompt CSK to bid for Rishabh Pant. But then, nothing can be finalised as yet. Simply because, every team has an option of the RTM, and something says, that DC might just not let their key player go. Even Parth Jindal, owner of the DC team clarified, that they would still be looking to bag their ex-players in the auction.
He said, “In Axar, Kuldeep, Tristan and Abishek we have the ideal blend of experience and youth, and I am very pleased with our retentions. I would have liked to retain more players who have turned out for DC, but the rules mean we have to pick strategically.
“Going into the auction we will have two RTM cards and that leaves the door open for players who have worn the DC shirt in the past, to carry on with us. We know who we want and will make sure to get some if not all the players back. With this important milestone behind us, the team is working tirelessly on the mega auction. Our intent is to build a strong and balanced squad that can bring home a much-awaited IPL trophy to our city.”
DC IPL Retention
Retention No. 1 (Rs 16.5 crore) – Axar Patel
Retention No. 2 (Rs 13.25 crore) – Kuldeep Yadav
Retention No. 3 (Rs 10 crore) – Tristian Stubbs
Retention No. 4 (Rs 4 crore) (uncapped) – Abhishek Porel
Retention No. 5 – RTM
Retention No. 6 – RTM
Purse left – Rs 76.25 crore
DC can use two RTMs in the coming IPL Auction. Axar Patel was their highest retention, with a price of 16.5 Cr, followed by 13.25 Cr, Tristant Stubbs at 10 Cr, and Abhishek Porel at 4 Cr. If all goes well, the team would like to use an RTM for Rasikh Salam Dar, who was good for the team in IPL 2024.