In one of the biggest transfers to come IPL 2027, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have completed the exchange of high-profile players involved Rishabh pants and Kuldeep Yadav. The Indian Premier League confirmed the trade through an official media advisory, Pant returned to Delhi Capitals for INR 15 crore while Kuldeep joined Lucknow Super Giants for INR 13.5 crore.
The deal, which is finalized less than a month after the conclusion of IPL 2026, sees Pant reunite with the franchise on which he built his reputation as one of India’s most exciting cricketers. The signing of Kuldeep for LSG strengthens their spin department as they look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.
Homecoming for Rishabh Pant after a tough 2 years in Lucknow
Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals marks the beginning of a new chapter with the team that played a major role in his rise to stardom. The goalkeeper represented the franchise from 2016 to 2024, becoming one of its most influential players during that time.
Over nine seasons, Pant has appeared in 111 matches for the Delhi Capitals, the most by any player in the franchise’s history. He also delegated leadership duties, captaining the team in 43 matches between 2021 and 2024. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach have made him a fan favorite in the capital.
In 2025, Pant made headlines when Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for a record-breaking INR 27 crore in the mega auction. Expectations were high, but his stint with the franchise did not go as expected.
The left-handed batsman struggled to perform consistently in the next two seasons, scoring 269 runs in IPL 2025 and 312 runs in IPL 2026. While there have been flashes of brilliance, he has not been able to replicate the impact he enjoyed during his peak years with Delhi.
The fate of the team under his captaincy was also disappointing. LSG finished seventh in 2025 and dropped to 10th in 2026, leading to increased speculation of changes within the franchise.
Kuldeep Yadav gets a new opportunity as LSG strengthens their bowling unit
While Pant is back in familiar surroundings, Kuldeep will be hoping that the change of environment will help revive his IPL fortunes. The left-arm wrist spinner enjoyed a successful spell with Delhi Capitals after joining the franchise in 2022. During his tenure at 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 has been a tough one for the spinner. He managed just 10 wickets and conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.30, the highest of his decade-long IPL career.
Despite this dip in form, Kuldeep remains one of India’s best white-ball spinners and LSG will be optimistic that he can rediscover his best form in new environments.
