Rishabh Pant on his way back to DC? Here’s how Delhi Capitals can use 2 RTM cards at IPL 2025 auction

With a midnight tweet, some critisism on their IPL 2025 retention combination, and a reshuffling of not only the coaching staff but also at the ownership level, tranquillity has not been an option for Delhi Capitals (DC) fans in recent times. It is needless to say alongside the likes of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Punjab Kings, the Delhi-based team has been the most inconsistent in IPL history. And desperate times that called for desperate measures truly took place. The Delhi Capitals released their star player and skipper Rishabh Pant. We don’t know the exact details on why they took such step, but DC now have to look forward.

While no player is bigger than the team, DC have been synonymous with Pant, who has been with the franchise since 2016. However, DC went ahead with four retentions, not involving Pant. Axar Patel, at Rs 16.50cr, was their top pick followed by Kuldeep Yadav (Rs 13.25cr) and Tristan Stubbs (Rs 10cr). Abhishek Porel was the only uncapped retention at Rs 4 crore. Regardless, Pant will now enter the IPL 2025 mega auction. Will the Delhi Capitals (DC) exercise their two Right To Match (RTM) cards and try to lure Pant back in again? Well, we know as much as you do but still Insidesport has tried to analyse who could be DC’s RTM card options. DC can use their RTM card on either two capped players or a combination of a capped and uncapped player.

What is RTM card in IPL 2025?

The Right to Match (RTM) card gives teams a chance to reacquire their players by matching the highest bid placed on them during the auction. For instance, if Delhi Capitals aim to bring Rishabh Pant back, they can use their RTM card, enabling them to equal the top bid and secure his services.

According to the updated RTM rule, any franchise bidding on a player can continue raising their offer even after an RTM card is used. If the original team with the RTM card is willing to match the increased bid, the player will return to his former franchise.

Rishabh Pant back to DC: Yes or no?

It was something out of the ordinary when Rishabh Pant successfully completed his comeback, playing his first competitive match after almost one and a half years. Delhi Capitals massively struggled in his absence (9th in IPL 2023) and Pant’s return boosted a certain amount of confidence within the side. Although they again failed to qualify for the playoffs, Pant gained a lot of love from his teammates and fans alike.

However, just like Shreyas Iyer at KKR, we expect that the Delhi Capitals and Rishabh Pant didn’t align in the retention amount. While DC would’ve not ideally liked to breach the ₹20 crore mark, Pant, given the brand that he is, might have not settled for anything less than his expectations. While DC co-owner Parth Jindal claimed that whoever played for DC last season is eligible for them to buy back, we believe that the DC-Pant chapter is over.

Pant, undoubtedly, has been a rollicking player for them. In fact, he is the highest run-getter for them with 3,284 runs at a SR of 148.93. He was the biggest icon for DC too. But now, the trophy-less franchise has moved forward. Hence, we don’t think they might pull up a RTM card for Rishabh Pant. However, if the situation arises, where Pant is going for a cheap price, they might just get their superstar back at a lower price than what all assumed. However, the chances for that to happen are almost null.

Jake Fraser-McGurk a certainty!

Delhi Capitals had a choice to make between Tristan Stubbs and Jake Fraser-McGurk. They ultimately chose the South African, who doubles up as a keeper as well. As far as McGurk is concerned, he should’ve been on the retention list too. After all, at 22, he is a future superstar and his potential is through the roof. JFM had a breakout IPL 2024, where he didn’t shy away from humbling the likes of Jasprit Bumrah as well. This IPL season, he made 330 runs at an unheard strike rate of 234.04. Hence, even if the amount touches 13-14 crore, we feel DC should use the RTM card for him.

The other two Australians are David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, who both are unlikely to rejoin DC. Albeit being one of the most consistent batters in IPL history, Warner looked poor last season, scoring just 168 at an average of 21.00. Marsh, meanwhile, is an injury-prone commodity.

IPL 2025 retentions: A pacer must for DC

Two spinners and two wicket-keepers have been DC’s retentions. They desperately need pacers at the IPL 2025 mega auction. They let go the likes of Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Jhye Richardson, Ishant Sharma and Rasikh Salam. While you can make a case for all pacers, we feel that they should use the RTM card on Rasikh Salam.

The young pacer showed his true class at the recent Emerging Asia Cup T20, where he ended up as the highest wicket-taking pacer with 9 wickets at an immaculate average of 10.3. The former MI bowler has that pace and can use his variations according to the situation. An all-phase pacer, Rasikh should come back to DC if the franchise want to have an exciting pace group. However, if they are getting him for a cheap price then they should buy him straightaway. If it does happen, Delhi Capitals can then use their RTM for any other talent.

Players on whom DC should use RTM on

RTM Card 1: Jake Fraser-McGurk

RTM Card 2: Rasikh Salam/Mukesh Kumar/Khaleel Ahmed

Delhi Capitals (DC) IPL 2025 Retentions

Retention No. 1 (Rs 16.50 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 73 crore

Delhi Capitals (DC) IPL 2024 squad

Rishabh Pant (c), Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara, Lizaad Williams, Gulbadin Naib, Jake Fraser-McGurk