IPL auction: Suresh Raina chucks CSK, predicts Rishabh Pant's future at 'RCB because they are...'

IPL auction: Suresh Raina chucks CSK, predicts Rishabh Pant's future at RCB

Rishabh Pant will be one of the most sought names in the IPL mega auction, which takes place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The ex-Delhi Capitals skipper was not retained by the franchise ahead of the auction, who instead opted for Axar Patel (16.5 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (13.25 cr), Tristan Stubbs (10 cr), Abhishek Porel (4cr). Pant also clarified on social media recently that his retention had nothing to do with money. Given Pant's clarification, which was on November 19 - less than a week before the auction - it is safe to assume that it is unlikely to see Delhi use the Right-To-Match (RTM) for the wicketkeeper-batter.

Sharing his thoughts on Pant and his massive demand at the auction, former cricketer Suresh Raina estimated that a "gun player" like him should fetch at least Rs 25-30 crore at the auction. "We should really look at this as an opportunity. If you see the Australian players, they are getting paid (big money). Then why not our players! He is a (DC) captain, gun player, gun wicketkeeper. If you look at his brand value, he is good for endorsement...So he should get (the money) as well -- Rs 25, 30 (crore), whatever he deserves," the ex-cricketer told Times Of India in an exclusive chat.

Also Read: Brand Rishabh Pant hits a sixer, endorsement value to zoom over 30%

Raina also mentioned that apart from Pant, even players like Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to the trophy in the previous edition, and KL Rahul will also generate good interest. As per Raina four franchises - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings, Delhi, Lucknow Super Giants - will look to fill up the vacant captain spot, thus raising the demand for these three Indian stars.

"Rishabh has that attitude to win a Cup anywhere. He tried in Delhi, worked very hard there...Same goes with Shreyas Iyer (not retained by KKR), same goes with KL Rahul (not retained by Lucknow Super Giants) because right now it's not just about buying players -- they (teams) are also looking for a captain. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings, Delhi, Lucknow -- four teams are such that they are looking for an Indian captain," said Raina.

Also Read | Rahul Dravid names 'terrific player' who can fill big boots of Pujara in Australia: 'Everyone talks about Pant but...'

However, before concluding Raina made a massive prediction about Pant's next destination. He chucked his former franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) out of the race to acquire Pant, and predicted RCB could be his next destination. "CSK has to make a team, and they have Rs 55 crore left with them (after spending Rs 65 crore to retain five players); and if they buy one player for Rs 25-30 crore, then they have to make a squad of 18 (at least)," explained Raina.

"Punjab has the money (Rs 110.50 crore), Delhi has RTM (Right-to-Match card). I won't be surprised if he (Pant) goes to RCB (Rs 83 crore purse left) because they are also looking for a captain," he added.