Rishabh Pant Becomes the Priciest IPL 2025 Captain, Rahane Adopted By KKR at Low Cost
Mar, 23 2025
The cricketing world is buzzing as IPL 2025 sets the stage for intense action and strategic plays. Leading the headlines, Rishabh Pant has become the most sought-after captain, fetching a historic ₹27 crore from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). All eyes are on him as he steps up to lead the team after a successful bid in the mega auction, which saw the team make bold moves by tying their future to this young prodigy.
Pant's switch to LSG is notable given his earlier stint as the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC). The change arose when DC hesitated on his retention, ending discussions prematurely. Seizing the opportunity, LSG snatched Pant, forming their core around him with key players like David Miller and Mitchell Marsh. Under the guidance of coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan, Pant is expected to bring fresh energy and strategy to the team.
Close on Pant’s heels in terms of captaincy value is Shreyas Iyer, who was picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive captain this season. Iyer's legacy as a title-winning captain with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous year boosts expectations. His move to Punjab Kings promises an engaging journey filled with ambitions to replicate his historic success with KKR.
On the flip side of the spectrum, Ajinkya Rahane stands as the inexpensive captaincy selection of the season, secured by KKR for just ₹1.5 crore. However, as Rahane himself aptly put it, "Experience isn’t sold in the market, it is earned." His presence in KKR's dugout offers a wealth of experience and serene captaincy that often translates into strategic advantages on the ground. KKR sees value in his composure and tactical acumen over mere auction prices.
The league's dynamics take another interesting turn with new captains joining the roster. Rajat Patidar leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Hardik Pandya is stepping up for the Mumbai Indians. These additions bring in fresh perspectives, contrasting Pant's move, which comes with the added pressure of amending LSG's patchy performance in 2024.
The opening game of the season set a thrilling precedent with KKR battling RCB, both under new leadership. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly await to see how these captaincy changes influence team performances and whether the pricey investments in leadership pay off.