October 9, 2024

IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant Rubbishes RCB Link-up, Replies to Fan – ‘Why Do You Guys Spread So Much Fake News’

Star Indian wicketkeeper and Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant took to social media to deny any rumors about a potential move to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL mega auction. Pant firmly labeled the speculation as “fake news.”

The rumors began when a social media user on X claimed that Pant’s manager had reached out to RCB earlier this week because Pant was anticipating a vacancy for the captaincy there. However, according to the post, RCB’s management declined the inquiry. Pant’s swift response highlights his commitment to setting the record straight amid such unfounded speculation. “Virat doesn’t want Pant in RCB due to his Political Tactics in the Indian team as well as in DC,” the post further added.

Meanwhile, the Indian star quickly confronted the user on X, expressing his frustration over the spread of “misinformation” and the creation of an “untrustworthy environment.” His strong reaction underscores his commitment to addressing false claims and maintaining integrity within the cricket community.

Read More: IPL 2025 Mega Auction and Retention Rules Highlights

Rishabh Pant Calls Out Fake News Amid Successful Comeback to Cricket

“Fake news. Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media? Be sensible guys so bad. Don’t create an untrustworthy environment for no reason. It’s not the first time and won’t be the last but I had to put this out. Please always re-check with your so-called sources. Every day it’s becoming worse. Rest it’s up to you guys. It wasn’t just for you it’s for a lot of people who are spreading misinformation. Tc,” Pant shared his thoughts on his X account. Earlier this year, he returned to competitive cricket during the IPL 2024 season after a horrific car crash had sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. Recently, he also made a comeback to the Indian national team across all formats, featuring in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he scored his sixth Test century.

At just 26 years old, Pant has exclusively played for the Delhi Capitals since his debut in the 2016 season. He has participated in 111 matches for the franchise, amassing 3,284 runs, which includes 18 half-centuries and one century. Pant was appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2021 season, further solidifying his role as a key player for the team.

Read More: IPL 2025 Retention Full List: 5 Players Each Team Could Retain Ahead of Mega Auction

Punjab Kings Sack Sanjay Bangar And Trevor Bayliss After Roping in Australian World Cup Winner

The IPL franchise Punjab Kings has reportedly parted ways with head coach Trevor Bayliss and head of cricket development Sanjay Bangar, just days after securing the signature of Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting. Bayliss was appointed head coach ahead of IPL 2023, taking over from Anil Kumble, and leaves the franchise after only two seasons. Bangar, who joined from Royal Challengers Bangalore prior to IPL 2024, had a brief tenure of just one season.

Punjab Kings have struggled to qualify for the IPL playoffs for the past ten years, finishing a disappointing ninth and eighth in their last two seasons despite ongoing changes within the team. The franchise is also in search of a new full-time captain, as Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in India earlier this year, citing a “lack of motivation.” The franchise had brought in Bayliss in hopes that his proven track record of success—including coaching England to the 2019 World Cup and winning two IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders—would help revive their fortunes. With the recent addition of Ponting, who left Delhi Capitals after a seven-year stint, the Punjab Kings are looking to turn their fortunes around as they head into the next season.

Check out: ‘Project Punjab’: Ricky Ponting Reveals Reason Behind Joining PBKS As Head Coach

Ponting Excited to Lead Punjab Kings: A Challenging New Chapter in the IPL

“I’m very happy to be back in the IPL,” Ponting told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s been such a big part of my life, it’s been ten or 11 years now that I have been going to the IPL. The thing that keeps drawing me back is the level of cricket and the quality of players you get to work with.”

Ponting, who captained Australia to two ODI World Cup titles, acknowledged that he had been in discussions with other IPL franchises regarding coaching roles. However, he ultimately found “Project Punjab” to be the most appealing opportunity. His decision reflects a belief in the franchise’s potential for revival and a desire to contribute to its success in the upcoming seasons.

“Yes, I was talking to a few teams, but it was “Project Punjab” which attracted me. It is a team that hasn’t had a lot of success over a long period of time, a team that’s changed coaches a lot, so I saw it as a challenge. The other exciting part is that I saw some really exciting youngsters last year at Kings that hopefully we can attract back to the team for this season and put together a team that is going to be good enough to win the IPL,” he said.

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