Rishabh Pant Slams Fake News Linking Him to RCB in IPL 2025 | Rishabh Urges for Responsible Social Media Reporting

India's star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has strongly condemned recent rumors circulating on social media about his alleged transfer to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the 2025 IPL season. The fake reports claimed that Pant had initiated talks with RCB regarding a potential move to the franchise as its next captain. According to the rumors, RCB's former skipper Virat Kohli reportedly rejected Pant's approach due to "political tactics" within the Indian team and his current franchise, Delhi Capitals.

Pant, who remains the captain of Delhi Capitals, took to X (formerly Twitter) on September 26, 2024, to publicly address these speculations, labeling them as "fake news" and urging fans not to spread baseless information. In his tweet, Pant expressed his frustration, stating, "Why spread fake news? Don't create an untrustworthy environment for no reason." His post garnered significant attention, with many fans and cricket personalities supporting his call for responsible online behavior.

Clarifying His IPL Future

Pant has been the cornerstone of the Delhi Capitals' setup for several years and was appointed captain in 2021. Despite some challenges in the 2024 IPL season, where Delhi missed out on the playoffs, Pant’s commitment to the franchise remains firm. His response to the rumors quashed any speculation about his future with the Capitals, reinforcing his dedication to leading the side.

The rumors surfaced ahead of the 2025 IPL mega-auction, where several teams, including RCB, are expected to reshuffle their squads. Pant, however, made it clear that such stories were purely fabricated and had no basis in reality.

A Call for Responsible Reporting

Pant’s comments reflect a broader frustration among cricketers over the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. With the rise of fan-driven accounts and unofficial sources, players have increasingly found themselves addressing baseless rumors. Pant’s firm stance is a reminder of the potential harm such rumors can cause, both for players' reputations and for the trust between fans and their favorite stars.

Following his tweet, Pant received widespread support from his followers and fellow players, who praised him for calling out the fake news. Many echoed his concerns about the negative impact of misinformation and called for more accountability among social media users.

Pant’s Journey Back to the Top

Pant's public appearance and active involvement in the IPL discussions also mark his continued rise following a difficult period in his career. After recovering from a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Pant made a stellar comeback to cricket in 2024. His return to the IPL was well-received, and he played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph later that year. His resurgence in red-ball cricket further solidified his place as one of India's premier players.

As of now, Pant remains focused on leading Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL season and silencing any remaining doubters. His strong rebuke of these recent rumors signals that he is unwilling to let baseless speculation distract him from his goals on the field.