Delhi Capitals could sign Ishan Kishan for 15-20 crore after releasing Rishabh Pant: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar and Ishan Kishan. (Photo Source: BCCI/Mumbai Indians)

Sunil Gavaskar reckons that Delhi Capitals (DC) might spend as many as INR 15-20 crores at the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction to acquire the services of star India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as a replacement for Rishabh Pant. The highly-anticipated mega auction takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25.

Pant led the Capitals in IPL 2021, 2022, and 2024 before being released by the franchise last month. They decided to retain only four players – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abhishek Porel. Meanwhile, five-time champions Mumbai Indians let go of Kishan after the Southpaw had a disappointing season with the bat earlier this year, scoring just 320 runs from 14 innings.

The legendary Gavaskar feels that Delhi Capitals could be the new IPL home for the wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand as he has the ability to change the course of a match with his aggressive batting exploits.

Also Read: ‘My retention wasn’t about the money’ – Rishabh Pant on cutting ties with Delhi Capitals

“I feel Delhi will try very hard to get Ishan Kishan. They might be ready to pay 15 to 20 crores for Ishan Kishan because we have seen that Ishan Kishan has the ability to change the complexion of the game in T20 cricket because of the way he bats,” said Gavaskar while speaking to Star Sports.

It is important to note that Kishan was roped in by Mumbai for a staggering INR 15.25 crore during the previous mega-auction in 2022.

Punjab will also make a play for Ishan Kishan: Sunil Gavaskar

Punjab Kings retained only two players ahead of the auction and have the biggest remaining purse of INR 110.50. Many are predicting that the Kings will go all out for Pant in the auction. However, Gavaskar feels that Kishan could be a good choice if they fail to sign the Haridwar-born.

“With Delhi not retaining Rishabh Pant, they will look for a wicketkeeper-batter as well. Punjab has possibly got the biggest purse so far when they go into the auction. So Punjab will also make a play for Ishan Kishan,” said Gavaskar.