Fact Check: Will Rishabh Pant play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025?

Recently, social media has been buzzing with rumors about Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant potentially joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The speculation gained traction when a user posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Pant had approached the RCB management regarding a possible move, with hopes of taking over the team’s captaincy.

Rishabh Pant to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

The user’s post included a photoshopped image of Pant wearing an RCB jersey, and the accompanying caption added fuel to the fire. According to the user, Pant’s approach to the IPL franchise came through his manager, and he was allegedly seeking to replace the current captain. The post also alleged that former RCB captain and cricket icon Virat Kohli was against Pant joining the team, accusing him of indulging in “political tactics” within both the Indian national team and his current IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC).

“Rishabh Pant approached RCB

Pant approached RCB through his manager earlier this week as he foresee a captaincy vacancy there but got declined by RCB’s management.

Virat doesn’t want Pant in RCB due to his Political Tactics in Indian team as well as in DC.

– RCB Source,” The user wrote on his X account.

🚨 Rishabh Pant approached RCB 🚨

– Pant approached RCB through his manager earlier this week as he foresee a captaincy vacancy there but got declined by RCB's management.

Virat doesn't want Pant in RCB due to his Political Tactics in Indian team as well as in DC.

– RCB Source pic.twitter.com/B6KY2gj4gp

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 26, 2024

This claim, though lacking credible sources, quickly gained attention, prompting a wave of reactions across social media. The suggestion that a power struggle involving Pant and Kohli could be brewing sent shockwaves through the fanbase, leading to speculation about internal politics within both RCB and the Indian cricketing landscape.

Also READ: Delhi Capitals opener David Warner can join Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 – Reports

Fact Check: Uncovering the truth

Pant, however, wasted no time in addressing the rumor head-on. Shortly after the post gained traction, Pant took to his own X account to refute the claims, dismissing the news as entirely false. In his response, Pant expressed his frustration with the growing trend of misinformation spreading on social media, urging people to be more responsible and verify their facts before posting unsubstantiated rumors.

“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 recheck with your so-called sources. Every day, it’s becoming worse. Rest, it’s up to you guys. This wasn’t just for you, it’s for a lot of people who are spreading misinformation. Take care,” Pant wrote on his X account.

Fake news . Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media. Be sensible guys so bad . Don’t create untrustworthy environment for no reason. It’s not the first time and won’t be last but I had to put this out .please always re check with your so called sources. Everyday…

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 26, 2024

Pant’s firm denial has put the rumors to rest, but his response highlights a broader issue within the digital landscape. With the increasing ease of sharing information (both real and fabricated), players like Pant are often forced to clear the air over baseless claims that can damage their reputation or stir unnecessary controversy.

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