Rishabh Pant made history when the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired him for a staggering Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. This record-breaking bid, which surpassed the Rs 26.75 crore spent on Shreyas Iyer by Punjab Kings, caused a frenzy on social media. Fans and experts alike were divided in their opinions on the move, but one thing was clear—Pant’s talent and potential were undeniable.
Rishabh Pant’s Record-Breaking Move to Lucknow Super Giants
The Rs 27 crore bid for Pant set a new benchmark in the IPL auction, making him the most expensive player ever to be bought in the tournament’s history. This came after a successful career with Delhi Capitals, where Pant was a key player and served as their captain. His move to Lucknow Super Giants was a result of a fallout with his previous team, leading him to make himself available for the auction.
Pant’s move eclipsed Shreyas Iyer’s Rs 26.75 crore deal with Punjab Kings, further amplifying the bidding war between IPL franchises. His talent as a wicketkeeper-batter, combined with his leadership qualities, made him a coveted player, and LSG was willing to break the bank to secure his services.
Rishabh Pant’s early life
Rishabh Pant was born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India, to Rajendra and Saroj Pant. He has an older sister, Sakshi Pant. At the age of 12, Pant began traveling with his mother to Delhi on weekends to train under coach Tarak Sinha at the Sonnet Cricket Academy. Since they didn’t have proper accommodation in the city, they would stay at a Gurdwara in Moti Bagh, showcasing the sacrifices they made for Rishabh’s cricketing dreams.
Sinha, recognizing Pant’s potential, suggested he move to Rajasthan to play U-13 and U-15 cricket. However, Pant remained with Delhi and focused on refining his skills. Sinha also advised him to overhaul his batting technique, aiming for further improvement. A pivotal moment in Pant’s career came during a U-19 match for Delhi against Assam. After top-scoring with 35 in the first innings, he followed up with a stunning 150 in the second innings. Pant has since described this knock as one of the most significant of his career. In February 2016, during the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Pant set a new record by hitting the fastest fifty in the tournament’s history—just 18 balls—against Nepal. This achievement solidified his reputation as a promising young talent.
In April 2017, Pant faced a tragic personal loss when his father, Rajendra Pant, passed away due to a cardiac arrest. Despite this heart-wrenching setback, Rishabh remained focused on his cricketing journey.
Rishabh Pant’s love story with Isha Negi
Pant’s personal life has also captured public attention. He first revealed his relationship with model and entrepreneur Isha Negi after India’s 2018-19 tour of Australia via an Instagram post. However, the couple had been dating since 2015, during Pant’s Under-19 cricket days. Like Rishabh, Isha hails from Uttarakhand and attended Jesus & Mary Convent School in Dehradun before graduating from Amity University in Noida. Apart from her modeling career, she is an interior designer and entrepreneur, with over 370,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her professional and personal life.
Rishabh Pant’s Rise to Stardom in Cricket
Rishabh Pant’s cricketing journey began in 2015 with his first-class debut, but it was his rapid rise to the Indian national team that established him as one of India’s most promising cricketers. Pant made his T20I debut in February 2017, making history as the youngest player to represent India in a T20I at just 19 years and 120 days old. Later that year, he made his Test debut in August 2018 and followed it up with an ODI debut in October 2018.
Pant quickly became a key player for India across formats, known for his aggressive batting style and ability to turn games around. He became one of the youngest players to score centuries in all three formats, and his fearless approach has earned him accolades from cricket experts and fans alike.
Net Worth Overview: Rishabh Pant’s Earnings
As of 2024, Rishabh Pant’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs 100 crore, according to Sportskeeda. His wealth is a result of his successful cricket career, combined with earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and various brand endorsements. Pant has cemented his place as one of the highest-earning cricketers in India.
BCCI Contract
Pant has been a central figure for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since his debut. He received an A-grade central contract from the BCCI for the 2022-23 season, worth Rs 5 crore, despite facing a major setback due to an unfortunate accident in December 2022. In the latest cycle, he secured a Grade B contract worth Rs 3 crore. Additionally, Pant earns match fees of Rs 15 lakh for each Test, Rs 6 lakh for every ODI, and Rs 3 lakh for each T20I.
Brand Endorsements
Rishabh Pant has also made a name for himself off the field with a string of lucrative brand endorsements. He is a brand ambassador for several high-profile companies, including Adidas, JSW, Dream11, Realme, Cadbury, and Zomato. These partnerships contribute significantly to his earnings, further adding to his already impressive net worth.
Expensive Possessions and Lifestyle
Rishabh Pant’s wealth is not just reflected in his bank account, but also in his luxurious lifestyle and properties. He owns several high-value properties across India. His Delhi residence is estimated to be worth ₹2 crore, while his properties in Roorkee, Dehradun, and Haridwar add to his real estate portfolio.
Pant also owns a collection of luxury cars, including an Audi A8 (Rs 1.3 crore), a Ford Mustang (Rs 2 crore), and a Mercedes Benz GLE (up to Rs 2 crore). These expensive possessions highlight his extravagant lifestyle, which is in line with his status as one of India’s top cricketers.