Rumours surrounding Rishabh Pant’s future with the Delhi Capitals (DC) have been put to rest, with recent reports confirming that the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman will remain with the franchise for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

For months, there has been speculation about Pant’s possible move to another team, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) emerging as potential prime buyers. However, Delhi Capitals (DC) have made their intentions clear that Pant is not going anywhere.

In a game-changing move, the Delhi franchise has reportedly sealed a major deal to retain Pant’s services, securing him for the upcoming IPL 2025 and silencing rumours of his exit.

Aakash Chopra puts an end to rumours, says Rishabh Pant will stay with Delhi Capitals (DC)

There were reports that Pant might join Punjab Kings (PBKS) as former DC head coach Ricky Ponting joined the franchise after congratulating the Indian star for scoring a century in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh.

Now, reacting to the speculations, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has ruled out the possibility of Pant leaving DC, highlighting how crucial it is for the franchise to retain its star player ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

The cricket expert claimed that a major deal has been finalised between Pant and DC, securing his services for the upcoming IPL season. He lauded Delhi’s decision and said retaining the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is an important step for the franchise.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “Rishabh Pant is not going anywhere. There were rumours that Rishabh and Delhi Capitals were parting ways. Ricky Ponting has left for Punjab Kings, so maybe Rishabh Pant could be the new Punjab captain, or Rishabh Pant said that he really likes playing for Chennai, so maybe it was CSK.”

The well-known commentator added, “However, there is a report on Cricbuzz which says that all the rumours need to be put to rest. Rishabh will be with the Delhi Capitals. A deal has been finalised with an inflated figure. Well done, Delhi; this is a job you have done well. Keep him with you; you will not get anyone like him again.”

Keep Delhi and make them champions: Aakash Chopra to Rishabh Pant

Many fans were quick to link Pant with teams like PBKS, especially given his long association with Ponting at DC, but Chopra clarified that these are just rumours. He also mentioned how Pant’s fondness for CSK and admiration for MS Dhoni fuelled speculations about a move to CSK.

Chopra said, “The rumour mill was very active regarding Rishabh Pant playing for CSK, but that too is not going to happen; it seems so.” According to Cricbuzz, Pant will stay with DC, where he has already earned a sizeable contract. Chopra believes this is the right move, and encourages Pant to focus on leading Delhi to their first IPL title.

The former Indian batsman pointed out that Delhi has not won a major domestic title since their Ranji Trophy victory in 2007-08, and he believes Pant will be key in breaking that drought. Chopra concluded by saying, “He was already at Rs 16 crore; he will get a huge amount of money, and I like it. You stand there and make Delhi the champions. Delhi has not won anything since 2007-08.”