IPL 2025: Suresh Raina backs Pant for over ₹25 crore tag in auction

The mega auction for IPL 2025 is fast approaching with a lot of cricket experts flooding social media with their respective opinion on the manner each franchise should approach the event in Jeddah. Numerous players have been spoken about as to the teams they might find themselves in. Among the prominent players to have not been retained by their sides due to various reasons, Rishabh Pant is one such name. 

Former India cricketer, Suresh Raina, in a recent discussion, felt Pant should easily be able to bag an amount in excess of INR 25 crore due to his reputation outside the cricketing arena in addition to his on-field prowess. 

"We should really look at this as an opportunity. If you see the Australian players, they are getting paid (big money). Then why not our players! He (Pant) is a captain, gun player, gun wicket-keeper. If you look at his brand value, he is good for endorsement, so he should get (the money) as well - Rs. 25-30 crores, whatever he deserves," stated Raina, during a conversation with The Times of India.

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Rishabh has that attitude to win a cup anywhere: Raina

Speaking on the same topic, Raina discussed the various franchises who might be on the lookout to acquire the indispensable services of the former skipper of the Delhi Capitals.

"Rishabh has that attitude to win a cup anywhere. He tried in Delhi, worked very hard there. CSK has to make a team and they have 55 crores left with them and if they buy one player for 25-30 crores, then they have to make a squad of 18 (at least). Punjab has the money (110.50 crores), Delhi has RTM. I won't be surprised if he (Pant) goes to RCB (83 crores left) because they are also looking for a captain," added Raina.

Pant captained the Capitals in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Even though his batting performances did not see a tumultous dip, he could guide DC to the playoffs on only one occasion. However, he showed many glimpses of possessing the necessary traits required to become an able leader.