At just 27 years old, Rishabh Pant is already one of cricket’s hottest stars. He’s a World Cup T20 winner and a former IPL captain who led his team to the top spot in his debut season. For many, Pant’s career is just getting started, making him a goldmine in terms of both skill and brand value.
As we look ahead to the IPL 2025 auction, it’s clear Pant will be one of the most sought-after players. All teams would want to secure a player of his calibre, but budget restrictions and existing team setups mean not everyone can realistically pursue him. Here, we’ll explore the top three teams likely to make a serious bid for Pant, looking at their budgets, needs, and Pant’s potential fit within their lineups.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings have a massive ₹110.5 crore budget, and they’re clearly aiming to make big moves. After retaining only two uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, PBKS has plenty of room to build a new team. This aligns perfectly with their hiring of Ricky Ponting as head coach, who knows Pant well from their time together at Delhi Capitals (DC).
Rishabh Pant could thrive under Ponting, who would likely be eager to have him as a key player. There’s also speculation that Ponting is interested in bringing in Steve Smith as captain. Even with Smith, Pant could form an essential middle-order role, adding firepower and adaptability to the team. Given his recent performances, PBKS could use Pant’s dynamic style to boost their batting lineup and compete at a higher level.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have also made smart moves in their retention strategy, leaving them with ₹83 crore for new acquisitions. Although they’ve retained stars like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, RCB needs a new captain with Faf du Plessis not returning. Pant, with his leadership experience, could be the ideal fit.
Chinnaswamy Stadium’s batting-friendly pitch would benefit Pant’s style, giving RCB both a star batter and a wicketkeeper. With Andy Flower as coach, Pant would be in good hands to grow further as a captain and player. Adding him to RCB would give the team a long-term captain option, an explosive player to partner with Patidar, and potentially, a new fan-favourite leader to carry on the legacy.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings, despite a budget of ₹55 crores, are rumoured to have a special interest in Pant. Reports suggest CSK might set aside over ₹20 crore just for him, hoping to secure their future after MS Dhoni. Although it’s unlikely Pant would take over as captain immediately, he’d still play a crucial role, offering both emotional appeal and strategic advantages to the team.
In CSK’s middle order, Pant could fill the void left by former icons like Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu. His skill against spin, coupled with Shivam Dube’s hitting power, would make a strong pair at their home ground in Chepauk. While Dhoni continues to guide the team, Pant would have the time and space to settle in and perhaps become CSK’s next big icon.
Rishabh Pant’s unique combination of power, skill, and charisma has captivated fans and teams alike. In the 2025 auction, these three teams are best positioned to secure this rising star, each with a strong case for how he fits within their ambitions.
ALSO READ: Can KL Rahul Revive RCB’s IPL Hopes?
