In one of the biggest moves of the IPL transfer window, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to reunite with Delhi Capitals after completing a trade worth INR 15 crore. The Indian Premier League officially confirmed the transaction through a media advisory, bringing an end to speculation surrounding the high-profile switch.
Pant’s move sees him return to the franchise where he built his reputation as one of India’s most exciting white-ball cricketers. Having represented Delhi Capitals from 2016 to 2024, he featured in 111 matches for the side — more than any other player in the franchise’s history. He also captained the team in 43 games between 2021 and 2024 before moving away ahead of the 2025 season.
The left-handed batter had joined Lucknow Super Giants during the IPL 2025 mega auction for a record INR 27 crore. However, his time with the franchise failed to deliver the expected results. Across two seasons, Pant managed 269 and 312 runs respectively, while LSG endured disappointing campaigns under his leadership, finishing seventh and tenth in the standings.
Kuldeep Yadav joins Lucknow Super Giants for INR 13.5 crore
As part of the same trade arrangement, spinner Kuldeep Yadav has made the switch to Lucknow Super Giants for INR 13.5 crore. The left-arm wrist-spinner leaves Delhi Capitals after a successful spell in which he claimed 72 wickets in 65 appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.24.
Delhi had retained Kuldeep for INR 13.25 crore before the 2025 mega auction, underlining his importance to the side. Nevertheless, the 2026 season proved challenging for the spinner, who picked up only 10 wickets and conceded runs at 10.30 per over — the most expensive economy rate of his decade-long IPL career.
With Pant returning to familiar surroundings and Kuldeep beginning a new chapter in Lucknow, both franchises will be hoping the trade helps reshape their fortunes ahead of the next IPL season.
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