Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has made a bold prediction regarding wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's potential earnings in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Raina believes that Pant's entry into the mega-auction, set to take place in Jeddah, could spark an intense bidding war, with the former Delhi Capitals skipper potentially securing a contract worth ₹25-30 crore.

Raina hailed Pant as a "gun player" with immense brand value. He emphasized that Pant’s leadership qualities and wicketkeeping prowess make him an invaluable asset for IPL franchises.

“We should 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 (Delhi Capitals) captain, gun player, and gun wicketkeeper. If you look at his brand value, he is good for endorsement...So he should get (the money) as well - ₹25, ₹30 crore, whatever he deserves,” Raina said.

“Rishabh has that attitude to win a Cup anywhere. He tried in Delhi and worked very hard there. The 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,” Raina added.

“CSK has to make a team, and they have ₹55 crore left with them (after spending ₹65 crore to retain five players); and if they buy one player for ₹25-30 crore, then they have to make a squad of 18 (at least),” Raina explained.

“Punjab has the money (₹110.50 crore), Delhi has RTM (Right-to-Match card). I won’t be surprised if he (Pant) goes to RCB because they are also looking for a captain,” Raina concluded.