IPL Trade 2027: Rishabh Pant returns to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav joins Lucknow Super Giants

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will return to Delhi Capitals (DC), while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as both franchises have officially completed a high-profile trade ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

According to the Indian Premier League (IPL) governing body, Pant, who was signed by LSG for ₹27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, will rejoin Delhi Capitals at a revised fee of ₹15 crore. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav will join LSG at his existing fee of ₹13.5 crore.

The IPL stated that Kuldeep’s move comes after a successful five-season spell with Delhi Capitals, where he established himself as one of the team’s key bowling performers. The left-arm spinner has taken 72 wickets in 65 matches during his IPL career with DC.

Pant had spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals from 2016 to 2024, making 111 appearances — the most by any player for the franchise. He also led the side as captain in 43 matches across four seasons between 2021 and 2024.

However, Pant’s two-season stint with Lucknow Super Giants was challenging. LSG finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table after ending IPL 2025 at seventh position. Pant stepped down as captain before the end of IPL 2026, with the franchise accepting his decision. During his captaincy tenure, he recorded 10 wins and 18 defeats.

With the completion of this trade, Pant returns to the franchise where he spent most of his IPL career, while Kuldeep will begin a new chapter with Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2027 season.