“Pant should be the first retention” – Harbhajan Singh suggests IPL 2025 retention strategy for Delhi Capitals

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Rishabh Pant should be the first retention for Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40 and finished as DC’s highest run-getter after making a comeback from multiple serious injuries, which he suffered in a horrific car accident.

Ergo, Pant was added to India’s T20 World Cup squad. Pant was backed by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to bat at number three and scored 171 runs in eight matches at an average of 24.43 to play an instrumental role in team’s success.

Pant has scored 3284 runs in 111 IPL matches at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93.

Harbhajan Singh said on Star Sports, “About Delhi Capitals, we have heard a lot of things about whether Rishabh Pant will be retained or not. Only time will tell. But if I were a part of the management, I would definitely retain him.”

The Turbanator wants DC to retain Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Mitchell Marsh.

“Pant should be the first retention, followed by Axar Patel, then Tristan Stubbs. The fourth retention, as I see it, should be Jake Fraser-McGurk; and if you want to retain a fifth player, it could be Mitchell Marsh,” the former India cricketer added.

Speaking of retaining an uncapped player, Harbhajan said he doesn’t see any player getting retained by DC.

“I don’t find any other player they would want to retain. So I think Delhi Capitals should retain 4-5 players and pick the remaining squad from the (auction) pool.”

Abishek Porel, who scored 327 runs in 14 matches in IPL 2024, could be a good choice to retain as an uncapped player for INR 4 crores.

All 10 teams are expected to release their retention list before 5 PM, 31st October.