Rishabh Pant
Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
DOB: 04 October 1997
IPL Team (2026): Delhi Capitals
Base Price: Retained (₹16 Crore in 2022 retention)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 140 | 140 | 18 | 4168 | 128* | 34.16 | 2801 | 148.80 | 2 | 29 | 383 | 186 | 119 |
| 2026 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 520 | 105 | 52.00 | 320 | 162.50 | 1 | 4 | 45 | 25 | 14 |
| 2025 | 14 | 14 | 3 | 450 | 85* | 40.90 | 300 | 150.00 | 0 | 4 | 40 | 20 | 15 |
| 2024 | 14 | 14 | 2 | 380 | 70* | 34.54 | 280 | 135.71 | 0 | 3 | 35 | 15 | 12 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 340 | 54 | 30.90 | 254 | 151.77 | 0 | 3 | 28 | 16 | 10 |
| 2021 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 419 | 58* | 34.91 | 301 | 139.20 | 0 | 3 | 40 | 10 | 10 |
| 2020 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 343 | 56* | 31.18 | 278 | 121.63 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 10 | 13 |
| 2019 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 488 | 78* | 37.53 | 309 | 162.72 | 0 | 3 | 37 | 27 | 18 |
| 2018 | 14 | 14 | 3 | 684 | 128* | 52.61 | 390 | 173.60 | 1 | 5 | 68 | 37 | 10 |
| 2017 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 366 | 97 | 26.14 | 225 | 162.66 | 0 | 2 | 40 | 17 | 11 |
| 2016 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 198 | 69 | 24.75 | 144 | 137.50 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 9 | 6 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Story of Rishabh Pant
From the dusty grounds of Roorkee to the dazzling lights of the IPL, Rishabh Pant’s journey is a tale of audacious talent and fearless hitting. A precocious talent, Pant first caught the eye in age-group cricket with his aggressive left-handed batting and natural wicket-keeping skills. His entry into the IPL in 2016 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) marked the arrival of a generational talent. He quickly became a fan favourite, not just for his explosive hitting but also for his infectious energy and cheeky personality behind the stumps.
Pant’s breakthrough season was undoubtedly 2018, where he smashed an incredible 684 runs at a staggering strike rate of 173.60, including a sensational 128* against Sunrisers Hyderabad – an innings that announced his arrival as a bona fide superstar. His ability to hit sixes effortlessly, particularly against pace and spin, from unconventional angles, made him a nightmare for bowlers. He’s not just a power-hitter; Pant possesses a rare game sense, capable of absorbing pressure and then unleashing a barrage of boundaries, often turning matches on their head within a few overs.
Beyond the bat, Pant’s leadership qualities emerged, culminating in him being appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals in 2021. His captaincy brought a fresh, aggressive approach to the team, leading them to the playoffs. After a challenging period recovering from a serious accident in late 2022, Pant made a triumphant return to the IPL in 2024, showcasing his resilience and unwavering spirit. His journey is a testament to his sheer will, proving that even the biggest setbacks can be overcome with determination and a smile.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Rishabh Pant’s entire IPL career has been synonymous with the Delhi franchise. He was first picked up by the Delhi Daredevils in the 2016 IPL auction for ₹1.9 crore. He immediately showed glimpses of his potential, playing crucial cameos. His consistent performances led to him being retained by the franchise for ₹8 crore ahead of the 2018 mega-auction, a clear indication of his growing stature.
As the team rebranded to Delhi Capitals, Pant remained their cornerstone. His value soared, and he was retained as the first-choice player and captain for an astounding ₹16 crore ahead of the 2022 mega-auction, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. This long-standing association highlights his importance to the team’s identity and strategy. Even after missing the 2023 season due to injury, the Capitals showed unwavering faith, retaining him for his comeback in 2024 and continuing through to 2026, solidifying his status as a Delhi legend.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Rishabh Pant is a high-impact player, making him a fascinating prospect for bettors. His aggressive style means he’s a strong candidate for “Most Sixes” or “Player to Score 30+ Runs” bets, especially on flat tracks or smaller grounds. He thrives when given a license to attack, often coming in at critical junctures in the middle or death overs. His left-handed advantage against right-arm pacers and off-spinners is a significant factor, often leading to favourable matchups.
However, his all-or-nothing approach can also lead to early dismissals, making “Under X Runs” a viable bet if he’s facing bowlers known for exploiting his aggressive tendencies early on. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he also contributes valuable fantasy points or betting value through catches and stumpings, which can often be overlooked. When betting on DC, consider Pant’s form and the pitch conditions; a fresh, bouncy wicket often brings out his best. His captaincy adds another layer, as his decision-making can influence overall team performance, impacting outright winner bets.
Key Records & Milestones
- Fastest IPL fifty by an Indian (18 balls) against Mumbai Indians in 2018.
- Highest individual score by a wicketkeeper in IPL history (128* vs SRH in 2018).
- Youngest captain in IPL history (23 years, 188 days) when he led Delhi Capitals in 2021.
- Only the second wicketkeeper-batter to score an IPL century.
- One of the few players to score over 4000 IPL runs with a strike rate above 145.
IPL Season Highlights
2018: The Unforgettable Season – This was Pant’s annus mirabilis. He amassed 684 runs, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the league. His 128* against SRH, where he single-handedly dismantled one of the best bowling attacks, remains iconic. He consistently provided explosive finishes and match-winning contributions, solidifying his reputation as a destructive force.
2019: Consistency and Impact – Following his breakout, Pant continued his strong form, scoring 488 runs at an impressive strike rate of 162.72. He played several crucial innings, including a blistering 78* off 27 balls against Mumbai Indians, showcasing his ability to take games away from the opposition in a flash and helping Delhi Capitals reach the playoffs.
2026: Captain’s Knock – After a few seasons of consolidation and a remarkable comeback from injury, Pant led from the front in 2026. He scored his second IPL century (105) against Punjab Kings, demonstrating his full range of strokes and maturity. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Delhi Capitals to a strong finish, proving his enduring class and ability to perform under pressure.