 2027 is expected to bring Rishabh Pant back to Delhi Capitals){kind=link}
The first major trade ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 is expected to bring Rishabh Pant back to Delhi Capitals. According to reports, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are close to finalizing a trade that will send Pant to his former franchise, while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will move in the opposite direction.
The deal is currently in its final stages. However, both franchises still need to complete the required paperwork before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gives its official approval.
If everything goes as planned, Pant will return to the franchise where he built his reputation as one of India’s most exciting wicketkeeper-batters.
Financial Details of the Trade
Pant was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a record ₹27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
Under the proposed trade, Delhi Capitals will acquire Pant for ₹15 crore. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav, who currently earns ₹13.25 crore, will join Lucknow Super Giants.
As a result, Lucknow will receive ₹13.75 crore back into their auction purse. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will see ₹1.25 crore deducted from their available purse to complete the transfer.
Interestingly, Pant will take a significant pay cut as part of the move.
Pant Becomes Second Star to Accept Salary Reduction
Pant is set to become the second high-profile cricketer to reduce his salary through an IPL trade.
Earlier, before IPL 2026, Ravindra Jadeja moved from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. Jadeja’s salary dropped from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore after that deal.
Reports also suggest that Delhi Capitals were not the only team interested in Pant. Another multiple-time IPL champion reportedly approached him before the trade discussions progressed.
Why Lucknow Super Giants Decided to Move On
Pant’s two-year stint with Lucknow Super Giants did not produce the results the franchise had hoped for.
As captain, he led the team in 28 matches, winning only 10 while losing 18. The team finished seventh in both IPL 2024 and IPL 2025 before ending at the bottom of the table in IPL 2026.
Two days before the IPL 2026 final, Pant informed the franchise that he wanted to step down as captain.
Earlier, LSG team director Tom Moody had indicated that the franchise was considering a leadership reset following another disappointing season.
Therefore, the trade appears to suit both the player and the franchise.
Pant’s Batting Numbers at LSG
Pant also struggled with the bat during his time at Lucknow.
Across two seasons, he scored 581 runs at an average of 26.40 with a strike rate of 135.74.
Both numbers were below his overall T20 career record and significantly lower than the standards he had maintained during his years at Delhi Capitals.
Although he produced a few memorable innings, he never looked completely settled in the Lucknow setup.
Delhi Capitals Could Be the Perfect Home Again
Pant enjoyed the best phase of his IPL career with Delhi Capitals.
He joined the franchise in 2016 when it was still known as Delhi Daredevils and quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Between 2021 and 2024, Pant captained Delhi Capitals in 44 matches. He guided the team to 24 victories while losing 19 games. He missed the 2023 season after suffering serious injuries in a car accident.
As captain, Pant scored 1,205 runs at an impressive average of 35.44 and a strike rate of 143.96. Those numbers closely match his overall IPL career average of 35.31 and strike rate of 148.93.
His leadership and batting performances made him one of Delhi’s most important players.
Kuldeep Yadav Set for Homecoming
Kuldeep Yadav is also expected to benefit from the proposed trade.
The left-arm wrist-spinner represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, and joining Lucknow Super Giants will allow him to play for the IPL franchise representing his home state.
Although IPL 2026 was not his strongest season, Kuldeep has been one of Delhi Capitals’ most reliable bowlers since joining them in 2022.
During his four seasons with the franchise, he picked up 72 wickets in 65 matches while maintaining an economy rate of 8.24.
Lucknow will hope he can strengthen their bowling attack as they begin a new chapter.
Similar to Hardik Pandya’s Return to Mumbai Indians
If the deal is completed, Pant’s return will remind fans of Hardik Pandya’s move back to Mumbai Indians.
Both players started their IPL journeys with their original franchises before leaving and later making a comeback through a trade.
Pant left Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction after discussions with the franchise management. Now, nearly two years later, he appears ready to wear the Delhi jersey once again.
What This Means for IPL 2027
The trade could prove beneficial for both teams.
Delhi Capitals will welcome back a proven leader and one of India’s best wicketkeeper-batters. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants will strengthen both their bowling attack and auction purse as they prepare to rebuild their squad.
Once approved by the BCCI, this could become one of the biggest trades in recent IPL history and may shape the fortunes of both franchises heading into the 2027 season.