The mega auction for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner. Teams will be embroiled in an intense tussle to get their hands on star players. While some teams insist on preserving their loyal long-serving members, other teams most notably the RCB and LSG have broad ambitions and are more than willing to scout for fresh talent at the expense of their experienced guns. Rishab Pant is one such name that has attracted the attention of several IPL franchises. The 26-year-old swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) in 2016.

However, as per reports, Pant has put his name forward for the auction as it is believed that the Delhi-based outfit is willing to move on from him ahead of the next season. Many experts speculate that Pant had a series of discussions with the Delhi Capitals franchise and expressed his desire to lead the side. Unfortunately, his wish never materialized as he was informed that he was not the first choice for captaincy. This major reason may have caused Pant to part ways with them ahead of the next IPL season. 

The reason behind RCB's drive to acquire Pant 

Eyeing their maiden title, RCB are more than willing to secure the services of Rishab Pant who has been in prolific form in recent times. Pant brings with him an X-factor and has the ability to take the game from the opposition like no other. Following the exit of Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, the door is now left wide open for RCB to rope in a dynamic batter like Pant. He has been a star performer for India across all formats and can provide the franchise with a great deal of stability in the middle order. Moreover, with the departure of Faf, the possibility of assuming a leadership role for RCB is also open for Pant. It was initially believed that RCB had their eyes set on acquiring KL Rahul but now it looks evidently clear that they have more exciting options at their disposal.  

LSG & PBKS jostle to rope in Rishab Pant

Two other franchises apart from RCB have also shown keep interest in Rishab Pant ahead of the mega auction. Kl Rahul is all set to be relieved from LSG earlier next year. Once he is gone, LSG will be on the hunt for a reliable wicketkeeper option who can not only contribute with the bat and keep behind the stumps, but also lead the franchise to new heights. Pant with his leadership skills could give the Lucknow-based franchise just the edge they need to propel them to their maiden IPL title. On the other hand, PBKS are also reportedly hoping for Pant to join their side under a new head coach Ricky Ponting with whom he shares a special relationship.

Pant is part of the Indian squad in the ongoing 3-match Test series against the Black Caps. The ace wicketkeeper batter was last seen in action during the first Test in Bangalore where he played a match-reviving innings for his side and almost bailed them out of trouble. But his unfortunate demise on 99 in the second innings allowed the Kiwis to crawl back and take a 1-0 assailable lead.