During the ongoing first Test between India and Australia in Perth, Nathan Lyon was caught on a stump mic playfully asking Rishabh Pant about his future in the IPL. With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching on November 24-25 in Jeddah, Lyon's question about which team Pant would join sparked interest, especially since Pant was not retained by Delhi Capitals. Pant responded with a smirk, saying he had "no idea," highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his next move.
Watch the video here.
Several franchises are keen on acquiring Pant, with experts suggesting he could command a record-breaking price, potentially surpassing Mitchell Starc's previous auction record. The Punjab Kings are seen as frontrunners, boasting over ₹100 crore in their budget and a strong connection to Pant through their new head coach, Ricky Ponting.
Pant's IPL statistics are impressive; he has played 111 matches, scoring 3,284 runs at a strike rate nearing 150, including 18 fifties and one century. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a valuable asset for any team.