'I Only Had One Focus, That Was Punjab': Rishabh Pant's Shocking Revelation on IPL Auction

There were strong speculations suggesting that Rishabh Pant could be signed by either Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Punjab Kings (PBKS). The buzz around CSK was fueled by Pant's close relationship with the legendary MS Dhoni, leading to talks of him being groomed as Dhoni's successor in the team. Meanwhile, the addition of former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting to the PBKS camp raised the possibility of Pant reuniting with the Australian mentor at the franchise.

When asked on Star Sports on Monday about the rumours around the IPL auction, Pant revealed that his only fear was that he could land in Punjab, given they had the biggest purse. However, he admitted that the tension reduced after Shreyas Iyer as roped in by the franchise for INR 26.75 crore.

“I only had one tension, that was Punjab (laughs). They had the highest purse. When Shreyas went to Punjab, I felt I could make it to LSG. There was a possibility. But eventually, with auction you never know, so I just thought I would wait and watch, and had my fingers crossed,” he said.

Pant named new LSG captain

After Pant was released by Delhi ahead of the auction in Jeddah, LSG acquired the India star for record price of INR 27 crore. Goenka, speaking to Star Sports, revealed that Pant was always part of their plan and that they had designed the team around it.

"The amount of strategising that was done revolved around Rishabh, it was done keeping him in mind," Goenka mentioned while confirming Pant as the captain. "I think, time will prove that he is not only the most expensive player of IPL but also the best player of IPL," Goenka added after being asked ‘why Pant?’

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