In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, former South African and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman AB de Villiers shared his insights on Rishabh Pant’s prospects for the IPL 2024 mega auction, set for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With the auction’s spotlight on Pant after his release from Delhi Capitals, de Villiers foresees that Pant’s bidding price will escalate beyond RCB’s budget, making him an unlikely addition to their lineup. Instead, de Villiers predicts that Punjab Kings, guided by head coach Ricky Ponting, could emerge as Pant’s next IPL home, as the two share a close professional rapport from their time at Delhi Capitals.
Punjab Kings: A Likely Destination for Pant
AB de Villiers anticipated that Punjab Kings will make a considerable bid for Rishabh Pant. This Prediction comes on the heels of the franchise’s recent appointment of Ricky Ponting as head coach following his departure from Delhi Capitals.
“I hear you. I think it is incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant, I think he will be too expensive and all the franchises are going to go for him in the auction. I do feel Punjab Kings spend whatever they can to get him, that’s my personal feeling. It’s my gut feel, I feel there is a very tight connection between him and Ricky Ponting. I think we are going to see him at Punjab Kings. We’ll see what happens, if not, it would be great if RCB can have Rishabh, but I just think, he is going to be too expensive,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
“I have told you guys that I want RCB’s focus to be on the bowling department, a world-class spinner and also some local players. Want some Bengaluru players in there, I have heard Anil Kumble say it before that they don’t keep their local players, quality talented local players,” he added.
KL Rahul: An Alternate Choice For ‘The Challengers’.
While Pant may be out of RCB’s financial reach, de Villiers suggested that KL Rahul could be a viable candidate for the team, especially as a future leader.
“KL is a quality player, he might be a bit cheaper. Definitely not a bad pick, I love him to bits. The way he plays and I think he is due to come back into form. The classy players like him find a way to come back into form. KL Rahul can also take over from Virat, he is not that old yet. But focus on bowling department, world-class spinner and local batters,” said the former Proteas captain.
He emphasised, however, that RCB should also focus on bolstering their bowling department and acquiring a top-tier spinner to enhance their competitive edge in the upcoming IPL season.
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