After 9 Years, Rishabh Pant Parts Ways with DC—What Went Wrong?

Following the release of Rishabh Pant by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, new details have emerged suggesting that the star player was reportedly dissatisfied with recent decisions made by the franchise’s management. Pant’s nine-year association with DC, where he grew from a young player to captain, has concluded as DC opted to make all-rounder Axar Patel their first retention.

Reports indicate that Pant was notably discontent with the changes initiated by co-owner GMR Group, which will lead the franchise’s operations for the next two years. Among the alterations, the decision to appoint Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as Director of Cricket reportedly did not sit well with Pant. Sources from PTI suggest that these choices, along with the potential restriction of Pant’s influence within the team, led to his growing frustration.

There had been prior speculation about DC’s intention to shift the captaincy from Pant to Patel, another possible factor in Pant’s decision to part ways with the franchise. Pant, acquired by DC in 2016 and retained through two previous mega auctions, was highly valued by the franchise and had attended past auctions in person.

Delhi Capitals operates under joint ownership between the JSW Group and the GMR Group, with each co-owner taking control of the franchise in alternating two-year periods. With GMR Group now at the helm for the 2025-2026 seasons, significant structural shifts were implemented, including the release of head coach Ricky Ponting, who had served for seven years, and Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly.

The combination of these changes and Pant’s reduced role reportedly led him to explore opportunities with other franchises in the upcoming auction. Given his recent success as India’s primary wicket-keeper batter in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pant is expected to be a top target in the auction pool.