Pant’s Commitment to DC
Contrary to media rumors suggesting that Rishabh Pant might leave the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, sources have confirmed to news agency IANS that the wicketkeeper-batter will continue with the franchise. Despite various media outlets speculating about Pant’s departure from DC and a possible move to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the IANS sources firmly stated that Pant remains committed to DC.
Key Players to be Retained
Pant, who is the DC captain, is expected to be retained alongside teammates Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Both Patel and Yadav have played crucial roles for the team in recent seasons. The trio also contributed to India’s T20 World Cup success in Barbados on June 29.
Pant’s Journey with DC
Rishabh Pant has been with the Delhi Capitals since 2016, the same day he scored an impressive 111 runs off 96 balls for India in the Men’s U-19 World Cup quarter-final against Namibia in Bangladesh. Throughout his tenure with DC, Pant has established himself as a key player, accumulating 3,284 runs in 111 matches with an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93, including one century and 18 fifties. As captain in IPL 2021, 2022, and 2024, Pant has also excelled behind the stumps, taking 75 catches and executing 38 stumpings.
DC’s Search for a New Head Coach
Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals are currently searching for a new head coach following Ricky Ponting’s departure from the role. The franchise is looking to build a strong coaching team to support Pant and the other key players.
VVS Laxman to Join Lucknow Super Giants?
Discussions with LSG
Former Indian middle-order batter VVS Laxman, who currently serves as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is reportedly in discussions to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The Times of India reported that the management of the Lucknow-based franchise has expressed interest in bringing Laxman on board as part of its coaching team for IPL 2025.
End of Tenure at NCA
Laxman’s tenure as head of the NCA is set to conclude in September, and he is not expected to pursue a contract extension. Sources indicate that there have already been informal discussions between LSG and Laxman about his potential role with the team.
Laxman’s Coaching Experience
Laxman, who captained the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, previously held the position of mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad before taking over at the NCA in November 2021. He was also considered for the head coach position of the Indian team following Rahul Dravid’s departure but declined the opportunity. Nevertheless, he has occasionally stepped in as India’s stand-in head coach during his time at the NCA.
Recent Coaching Roles
Most recently, Laxman traveled with the Indian team to Zimbabwe earlier this month. Under his guidance, the squad rebounded from a surprising defeat in the first match of the series to secure a 4-1 victory. His experience and leadership could be a valuable asset to the Lucknow Super Giants as they prepare for the upcoming IPL season.(cricket betting app)