Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan made a bold prediction about Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Starc ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2025 mega auction scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The upcoming mega auction will feature some of the biggest names in world cricket including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Mitchell Starc and Kagiso Rabada. All are expected to attract massive bids in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Saudi Arabia.
But among the star-studded list, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will be the one making the most noise on the table in the upcoming high-stakes mega auction IPL 2025, according to former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
Irfan Pathan predicts Rishabh Pant to break IPL auction record in Jeddah
The former World Cup winner has predicted that Rishabh Pant will not only break the bank in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction but will also overtake Australian speedster Mitchell Starc to become the most expensive player in IPL history.
Notably, Mitchell Starc was acquired by defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record INR 24.75 crore in last year’s mini-auction, making him the highest-paid player in history of the IPL.
Also Read: IPL 2025 auction: CA breaks silence as Daniel Vettori prioritizes IPL over Australia coaching duties
Starc is currently the most expensive player in IPL history, but Irfan Pathan insists Pant will surpass the Australian pacer and set a new benchmark in the auction. Well, Pant and Starc are currently preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, starting with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
The left-handed batsman has been in sublime form with the bat and behind the stumps in all three formats of the game since his return following his horrific car accident in December 2022.
Rishabh Pant to beat Mitchell Starc’s record in IPL 2025 mega auction: Irfan Pathan
With his explosive batting, leadership potential and impressive track record across all formats, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is undoubtedly one of the best prospects in the upcoming mega auction. The IPL mega auction will see intense bidding wars but it is expected to be Pant’s name that will dominate the headlines and etch his name in IPL history.
On of Delhi Capitals (DC) will break the bank and fetch over INR 25 crore in the upcoming mega auction later this month.
Irfan Pathan posted on X: “Mitchell Starc’s auction record is in danger. @RishabhPant17 is ready to break it.”
Mitchell Starc’s auction record is in jeopardy. @RYoyeshtobhPtonortht17 He’s ready to tear it up!
—Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) northohvmymetrobmyr 18, 2024
Summary of Rishabh Pant’s T20 career highlights
However, Rishabh Pant’s T20I career has been very successful as he has only 1,209 runs to his name in 76 matches at a modest average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 128, including just three half-centuries. However, his overall record in T20 is much more impressive.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Auction: RCB rope in former KKR coach aiming to win IPL trophy
In 202 T20 matches, the left-handed batsman has amassed 5,022 runs at an average of 31.78 and a strike rate of over 145, along with two centuries and 25 half-centuries to his name so far.
In the IPL, Pant has been a mainstay for Delhi Capitals (DC) since his debut in 2016. In a total of 110 IPL matches, Pant has scored 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31, including one century and 18 half-centuries .