Deep Dasgupta, a former Indian wicketkeeper, has stated that current Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant might play for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025.
Pant’s healing from his car crash injuries from December 2022 is moving forward nicely. In Kolkata, he linked up with Delhi’s team but didn’t take part in any of their practice sessions during his stay.
The 26-year-old player, who didn’t participate in IPL 2023, is geared up to play in the forthcoming version according to the recent updates.
Dhoni led CSK to an impressive fifth IPL title last season, even with a bothersome knee injury. He’s expected to play in 2024, but his participation post-next season is unclear, especially at age 42.
Dasgupta suggested in a video on his official Twitter handle that Pant may perhaps replace MS Dhoni in the CSK setup starting in 2025.
“Don’t be surprised if they get Rishabh Pant by IPL 2025,” Dasgupta said. “MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant are very close. Obviously, Rishabh adores MS, and MS also likes him very much. They spend a lot of time together.
“Their connection and Rishabh’s thinking are very similar, considering he is very attacking and positive. He’s always talking about winning and what not.”
Deep Dasgupta
In Rishabh Pant’s absence, Delhi had a disappointing season. They finished second to last in the standings and were the first club eliminated from postseason contention.
With the big auction scheduled for before the 2025 IPL season, it would be intriguing to watch if Pant plays for CSK.
CSK and DC Cut Down Their Squads Before the 2024 IPL Auction
Despite finishing on different ends of the spectrum last season, both CSK and DC dismissed many players ahead of the December 19 mini-auction.
Chennai sacked England all-rounder Ben Stokes after he declared his inability to play next season. Other foreign players that were let go were Dwaine Pretorius, Kyle Jamieson, and Sisanda Magala.
Ambati Rayudu, who is already retired, and three other Indian players were also freed, freeing up a purse of 31.4 crore for the auction.
Meanwhile, Delhi has discharged 11 players from its team, including international talents like as Rilee Rossouw, Rovman Powell, Phil Salt, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Chetan Sakariya, Manish Pandey, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ripal Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Aman Khan, and Priyam Garg were also freed, bringing the total purse to 28.95 crore.