Rishabh Pant, a standout performer since his IPL debut with the Delhi Capitals in 2016, has been a key player in the cash-rich league. His aggressive batting style and ability to turn the game in crucial moments have earned him accolades and recognition. Unfortunately, Pant missed the entire last IPL season due to a near-fatal car accident in December of the previous year.
Despite the setback, the Delhi-based franchise has decided to retain the 26-year-old for the upcoming edition of the tournament. Under Pant’s captaincy, however, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2022 season. The question arises: What prompted the franchise to stick with Pant?
In a recent interview, Deep Dasgupta shed light on the close relationship between MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant. According to Dasgupta, their similar attacking and positive mindsets make Pant a potential fit for CSK in the future. He stated, “Don’t be surprised if they get Rishabh Pant by IPL 2025. MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant are very close…”
The comparison of Dhoni and Pant goes beyond just cricket. Dasgupta emphasized the alignment of their thinking, especially in terms of being attacking and positive on the field. Considering CSK’s ethos, known for its aggressive yet calculated approach, Pant seems to be a seamless fit.
Dasgupta’s statement raises intriguing questions about the future dynamics of IPL teams. If Pant were to join CSK in 2025, how would this impact the team’s strategy, and what role could he play in filling the void left by the iconic MS Dhoni?
In support of his viewpoint, Dasgupta provided compelling quotes during the interview. He highlighted Pant’s admiration for Dhoni: “Obviously, Rishabh adores MS, and MS also likes him very much. They spend a lot of time together. Their connection and Rishabh’s thinking are similar, considering he is very attacking and positive. He’s always talking about winning and whatnot.”
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Adding more weight to the speculation is MS Dhoni’s confirmed return to action as one of CSK’s retained players for the tournament’s next edition. Dhoni’s last appearance during the final of IPL 2023 resulted in CSK securing their fifth title victory.
Pant’s numbers speak for themselves. In 97 innings, he has amassed 2838 runs at an impressive average of 34.61 and a staggering strike rate of 147.97. These statistics underscore his significance as a match-winner and a valuable asset for any team in the IPL.
