Rishabh Pant returns home to Delhi Capitals, gives up salary of Rs 12 crore; Kuldeep Yadav becomes part of Lucknow Super Giants

Indian wicketkeeper batsman in the biggest and talked about trade of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Rishabh Pant It has been decided to return to Delhi Capitals (DC). Whereas, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav Now he will be seen playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This high-profile player swap between the two franchises is being considered as one of the most important trades in IPL history.

The most surprising thing was that Rishabh Pant increased his salary to return to Delhi Capitals. Deduction of Rs 12 crore Accepted. Where he is in Lucknow Super Giants Rs 27 crore per season While he was getting it, now he is getting it in Delhi Capitals. Rs 15 crore Will get an annual contract.

Return to Delhi after two years

Rishabh Pant started his IPL career in the year 2016 with Delhi Capitals. He remained the biggest face of this franchise for almost a decade and played many memorable innings for the team.

For Delhi Capitals he 111 matches Played, which is the record for most matches played for this franchise by any player. Between 2021 and 2024 he Captained the team in 43 matches Also did.

Lucknow Supergiants buy him for record in 2025 mega auction Rs 27 crore He was bought and made the captain of his team.

Pant did not live up to expectations in LSG

Despite the record price, Rishabh Pant’s two-season journey with Lucknow Super Giants did not live up to expectations.

In IPL 2025 he 269 ​​runswhile in IPL 2026 312 runs Make it. During this time, the team management tried him in many roles from opening to middle order and finisher, but he could not perform consistently.

He also left the captaincy after the 2026 season, after which discussions about his return to Delhi Capitals intensified.

Kuldeep Yadav reached Lucknow

Indian spinner under this trade Kuldeep Yadav Now he has become a part of Lucknow Super Giants.

Kuldeep has been the main bowler of Delhi Capitals for the last five seasons. After joining Delhi in the year 2022, he 72 wickets in 65 matches Laker established himself among the most effective spinners of the IPL.

Lucknow Super Giants bought him Rs 13.50 crore Have added with yourself on contract. His previous contract in Delhi was approximately Rs 13.25 crore Rs., so with this trade he has also got a minor salary increase.

IPL officially confirmed

The official statement issued by IPL said that both the franchises have completed the trade process.

According to the statement, former Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant will return to Delhi Capitals, while Kuldeep Yadav will join the Lucknow Super Giants squad. It has been described as one of the biggest player trades in IPL history.

Delhi gets an old trusted face

Rishabh Pant’s return for Delhi Capitals is not considered to be just the return of a player but the return of the team’s identity.

Pant has been Delhi’s most reliable batsman and captain for a long time. In such a situation, the franchise hopes that he will once again give a new direction to the team and repeat his old performance.

Lucknow’s spin bowling will be strong

On the other hand, the bowling of Lucknow Super Giants is expected to get a big benefit with the arrival of Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep, the regular white-ball spinner of the Indian team, is known for his wicket-taking ability. His presence will make Lucknow’s bowling attack more balanced.

Big change before IPL 2027

This high-profile trade has further increased the excitement regarding the upcoming IPL season. On one hand, Delhi Capitals has got its old star player back, while Lucknow Super Giants has included an experienced spinner in the team to strengthen its bowling.

Now all eyes will be on whether Rishabh Pant will be able to regain his old rhythm after his return home and whether Kuldeep Yadav will play an important role in helping Lucknow Super Giants win the IPL title for the first time.