New Delhi: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers suggested that while it would be exciting for Royal Challengers Bangalore to secure Rishabh Pant in the auction it’s more likely that the Ricky Ponting-led Punjab Kings will make a determined bid for him. With Pant recently released by the Delhi Capitals he is expected to spark intense competition among franchises at the auction. Ricky Ponting formerly the coach of Delhi Capitals moved to Punjab Kings following a change in Delhi’s management. Shortly after his departure skipper Rishabh Pant was also released setting the stage for the IPL 2025 mega auction. De Villiers noted that Rishabh Pant is likely to be targeted by Punjab Kings due to the strong bond he shares with Ricky Ponting a connection they developed during their time together at Delhi Capitals. I hear you. I think it is incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant I think he will be too expensive and all the franchises are going to go for him in the auction. I do feel Punjab Kings spend whatever they can to get him thats my personal feeling. Its my gut feeling I feel there is a very tight connection between him and Ricky Ponting de Villiers said while speaking on his YouTube channel. I think we are going to see him at Punjab Kings. Well see what happens if not it would be great if RCB could have Rishabh but I just think he is going to be too expensive de Villiers added. Former RCB batter AB de Villiers expressed that he hopes the franchise will prioritize strengthening their bowling lineup specifically by adding a world-class spinner and bolstering their local player options. He highlighted that bowling has been a persistent weakness for RCB contributing to their 16-year wait for an IPL title. De Villiers recently recommended that the team should attempt to bring back Yuzvendra Chahal.