"Incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant" - AB de Villiers on star wicket-keeper's destination for IPL 2025
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter AB de Villiers felt the franchise would not land star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Surprisingly, Pant was not retained by Delhi Capitals (DC) despite being with the franchise from the start of his IPL career in 2016.
The southpaw enjoyed a sensational IPL 2024 season with 446 runs at an average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.40 in 13 outings.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers felt Punjab Kings (PBKS) could be Pant's destination, thanks to the presence of newly-appointed head coach Ricky Ponting.
"I think it is incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant, I think he will be too expensive and all the franchises are going to go for him in the auction. I do feel Punjab Kings spend whatever they can to get him, that's my personal feeling. It's my gut feel, I feel there is a very tight connection between him and Ricky Ponting. I think we are going to see him at Punjab Kings," said De Villiers
"We'll see what happens, if not, it would be great if RCB can have Rishabh, but I just think, he is going to be too expensive. I want RCB's focus to be on the bowling department, a world-class spinner and also some local players. Want some Bengaluru players in there, I have heard Anil Kumble say it before that they don't keep their local players, quality talented local players," he added.
Ponting was DC's head coach from 2018 to 2024 and shared an excellent relationship with Pant, who captained the side from 2021.
"KL Rahul can also take over from Virat, he is not that old yet" - AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers wished for RCB to go for KL Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) released the wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the 2025 IPL auction.
Rahul played for RCB in 2013 and 2016, helping the side finish as runners-up in 2016.
"KL is a quality player, he might be a bit cheaper. Definitely not a bad pick, I love him to bits. The way he plays and I think he is due to come back into form. The classy players like him find a way to come back into form. KL Rahul can also take over from Virat, he is not that old yet. But focus on bowling department, world-class spinner and local batters," De Villiers said in the same video.
RCB retained only three players - Virat Kohli (₹21 crore), Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore), and Yash Dayal (₹5 crore) for the next three-year cycle.
The franchise, still searching for its elusive title, looks to build a strong core in the two-day mega auction on November 24 and 25.