In one of the biggest transfer moves ahead of IPL 2027, Delhi Capitals (DC) And Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by Rishabh Pant And Kuldeep Yadav A high-profile player exchange has been completed between. Indian Premier League confirmed the trade through an official media advisory, with Pant returning to Delhi Capitals for INR 15 crore, while Kuldeep joining Lucknow Super Giants for INR 13.5 crore.
The deal was completed less than a month after the conclusion of IPL 2026, reuniting Pant with the franchise where he made his mark as one of India’s most exciting cricketers. For LSG, Kuldeep’s acquisition strengthens their spin department as they look to recover from a disappointing campaign.
Rishabh Pant returns home after challenging 2 years in Lucknow
Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals marks the beginning of a new chapter, involving the team that was instrumental in his rise to stardom. The wicketkeeper-batsman represented the franchise from 2016 to 2024 and became one of its most influential players during that period.
In nine seasons, Pant played 111 matches for Delhi Capitals, the most by any player in the history of the franchise. He was also handed leadership responsibilities, captaining the team in 43 matches between 2021 and 2024. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach endeared him to fans in the capital.
In 2025, Pant made headlines when Lucknow Super Giants acquired his services in the mega auction for a record-breaking INR 27 crore. Expectations were sky high, but his tenure with the franchise did not go as expected.
The left-handed batsman struggled to deliver consistent performances over the next two seasons, scoring 269 runs in IPL 2025 and 312 runs in IPL 2026. While he had flashes of talent, he failed to replicate the impact he had made in his peak years with Delhi.
The team’s fortunes were also disappointing under his captaincy. LSG slipped to seventh place in 2025 and 10th in 2026, sparking speculation of changes within the franchise.
Kuldeep Yadav gets fresh opportunity as LSG strengthens bowling unit
While Pant is returning to familiar surroundings, Kuldeep is hoping that a change of surroundings will help revive his IPL fortunes. The left-arm wrist-spinner enjoyed a successful period with Delhi Capitals after joining the franchise in 2022. During his time with DC, he emerged as one of the team’s most reliable bowlers, taking 72 wickets in 65 matches while maintaining an economy rate of 8.38.
Recognizing his value, Delhi retained Kuldeep for INR 13.25 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. However, the 2026 season proved to be a tough one for the spinner. He took only 10 wickets and gave away runs at an economy rate of 10.30 per over, the highest in his decade-long IPL career.
Yet, despite that dip in form, Kuldeep remains one of India’s premier white-ball spinners, and LSG will hope he can recapture his best form in the new environment.
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