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

Recently, the social media was full of rumors about the Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant possible to join i Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 season of Indian Premier League (IPL). The speculation gained momentum when a user posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Pant had spoken to the RCB management about a possible move, hoping to take over the captaincy of the team.

Rishabh Pant to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

The user’s post included a photoshopped image of Pant wearing an RCB jersey, with an accompanying caption adding fuel to the fire. According to this user, Pant’s way of dealing with the IPL franchise came from his manager, and it is said that he wanted to replace the current captain. The article also accused the former RCB captain and cricketer Virat Kohli was against Pant joining the team, accusing him of indulging in “political machinations” in the Indian national team and its current IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC).

“Rishabh Pant has gone to RCB

Pant approached RCB through his manager earlier this week as he had foreseen the captaincy vacancy but the RCB management refused.

Virat does not want Pant in RCB because of his Political Tactics in Indian team and DC.

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

🚨 Rishabh Pant close for RCB 🚨

– Pant spoke to RCB through his manager earlier this week as he had foreseen the captaincy vacancy but the RCB management refused.

Virat does not want Pant in RCB because of his Political Tactics in Indian team and DC.

– Source of RCB pic.twitter.com/B6KY2gj4gp

– Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 26, 2024

This claim, despite having no reliable sources, was quickly noticed, causing a wave of reactions on social media. The suggestion that a power struggle involving Pant and Kohli could erupt has caused consternation among fans, leading to speculation about internal politics within both RCB and the Indian cricket industry.

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Truth Check: Uncovering the truth

However, Pant did not waste time and raised the rumours. Soon after the post gained traction, Pant took to his own X account to refute the claims, dismissing the news as completely false. In his reply, Pant expressed his frustration over the growing trend of spreading fake news on social media, urging people to behave themselves and verify their facts before posting unsubstantiated rumours.

“Fake news. Why are you spreading fake news on social media? Be sensible, guys. It’s too bad. Don’t create an untrustworthy environment for no reason. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last, but I had to put this out there. Please keep checking back with your so-called sources. Every day, it gets worse. Rest in peace, mother. This was not just for you, it was for many people who are spreading false information. Take care of yourself,” Pant wrote on his X account.

Fake news. Why are you spreading fake news on social media. Be smart, guys, it’s bad. Don’t create an untrustworthy environment for no reason. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last but I had to point this out .please always check your so called sources. Every day…

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) September 26, 2024

Pant’s firm denial has put the rumors to rest, but his response highlights a wider issue in the digital space. With the increased ease of sharing information (both real and fabricated), players like Pant are often forced to vent about baseless claims that could damage their reputation or cause unnecessary controversy.

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