Kolkata: Former India batter Suresh Raina believes wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s X-factor could make him the hottest property in the upcoming IPL mega auction, with bids potentially exceeding ₹25 crore. With franchises like Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) having substantial budgets, Pant is expected to ignite a bidding war.
Pant’s Leadership and Impact
Raina, a four-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), highlighted Pant’s energy and leadership skills, which make him a valuable asset both as a player and captain. “Pant brings unmatched strength and bonding to a team. Players enjoy playing under his leadership, and his presence adds a special edge to any squad,” said Raina.
Raina also speculated about Pant’s potential destinations, suggesting that KKR or RCB might secure him as a captaincy option. “If Pant joins KKR, he will bring in a massive fan following. With Virat Kohli stepping down as RCB’s captain, Pant could also fit into their leadership plans,” he added.
Highest Auction Bid in IPL History?
The IPL auction record, set by Mitchell Starc when KKR acquired him for ₹24.75 crore ahead of IPL 2024, might be shattered this time. Raina believes Pant’s price could soar well beyond ₹25 crore due to his three-year contract value and his X-factor.
Arshdeep Singh’s Auction Advantage
Young pacer Arshdeep Singh, who impressed with eight wickets at an average of 15.37 in India’s recent T20I series win against South Africa, was surprisingly not retained by Punjab Kings. Raina expressed surprise over Punjab’s decision, noting that retaining him would have been a smart move.
“Arshdeep has proven himself as a match-winner, even in Bumrah’s absence. Punjab could have spent a few crores more to retain him. However, going into the auction could work in his favor, as he is a hot commodity now,” Raina said.
The left-arm pacer’s value lies not only in his performance but also in his personality. “He brings energy and spirit to any team. Today’s players are confident in testing their market value, and Arshdeep will attract competitive bids,” Raina added.
CSK and MI Eye Spin Reinforcements
CSK, with a budget of ₹55 crore, will focus on bolstering their spin department. Raina suggested they target spinners like Maheesh Theekshana or Yuzvendra Chahal, alongside an overseas batter like Daryl Mitchell.
“CSK has struggled with spin depth outside Chennai. A quality spinner like Chahal would strengthen their squad significantly,” Raina observed.
Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, need a reliable spinner to complement their core players, including Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. Raina suggested Yuzvendra Chahal or Ravichandran Ashwin as options, with the Rohit-Ashwin combination being particularly appealing.
Overseas Players in Demand
Among overseas players, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are likely to attract significant bids after their stellar performances in a historic 3-0 Test series victory against India.
As teams finalize their auction strategies, all eyes will be on the bidding frenzy for Pant and other high-impact players in what promises to be an electrifying IPL auction.
