Claim:
Rishabh Pant reportedly approached Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a leadership role in IPL 2025, but the RCB management denied his request due to Virat Kohli’s opposition.
Verdict:
Fake. Rishabh Pant has publicly slammed the rumor as false and asked fans to stop spreading misinformation.
The Claim:
A user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Rishabh Pant sought to join RCB ahead of IPL 2025, asserting that the franchise declined his interest as Virat Kohli did not want him on the team. This claim gained traction on social media, leading to widespread speculation.
Fact-Check Analysis:
- Rishabh Pant’s Response:
Pant took to his X account to vehemently deny the rumors, stating, “Fake news. Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media. Be sensible, guys. It’s not the first time and won’t be the last, but I had to put this out.” His response indicates that he considers the claim to be baseless and harmful to public discourse. - Context of the Claim:
Rishabh Pant has been a pivotal player for Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2016 and has been leading the team since 2021. His recent comeback to professional cricket after recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022 further emphasizes his commitment to DC, making the rumor of a shift to RCB particularly dubious. - Social Media Misinformation:
Pant’s statement highlights the growing issue of misinformation on social media platforms, where unverified claims can rapidly spread and damage reputations.
Context:
Rishabh Pant’s leadership of DC has seen mixed results; despite a strong personal performance in IPL 2024, where he scored 446 runs in 13 matches, the team finished sixth and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Additionally, DC has announced a significant coaching change, appointing Sourav Ganguly as head coach for IPL 2025, which adds to the speculation surrounding team dynamics.
Conclusion:
The rumors regarding Rishabh Pant’s potential move to RCB for IPL 2025 are unfounded. Pant’s direct response to the allegations reinforces his commitment to DC and the need for fans and media to verify information before sharing.
Verdict: Fake