Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals in Shock IPL Trade; 12 Crore Pay Cut as Kuldeep Yadav Heads to LSG

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed one of its most dramatic trade deals ahead of the 2027 season, with Rishabh Pant making a sensational return to the Delhi Capitals and spinner Kuldeep Yadav moving in the opposite direction to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

The blockbuster trade was officially confirmed by the IPL Governing Council on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world.

Pant, who was bought by LSG for a record-breaking 27 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season, will now rejoin Delhi at a significantly reduced salary of 15 crore, effectively taking a massive 12 crore pay cut.

For Delhi fans, it marks an emotional homecoming.

The explosive wicketkeeper-batter spent nine seasons with the Capitals between 2016 and 2024, becoming one of the franchise’s most iconic players. In that time, he played 111 matches, the highest by any player for the team, and captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons.

However, his move to Lucknow in 2025 never delivered the expected results.

Despite the hype surrounding his arrival, Pant endured a difficult two-year spell at LSG, scoring just 581 runs in 28 matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons. His struggles mirrored the franchise’s poor performances, with Lucknow failing to reach the playoffs in both campaigns.

Reports of internal disagreements between Pant and the support staff also surfaced repeatedly during his tenure.

Things reached a breaking point after IPL 2026, where LSG finished at the bottom of the points table. Soon after, the franchise confirmed that Pant had stepped down as captain.

In an official statement, LSG said the wicketkeeper had requested to be relieved of leadership duties, and the franchise accepted his decision immediately.

While Pant’s return strengthens Delhi’s batting and leadership options, Lucknow have secured one of the league’s most dangerous spin weapons in Kuldeep Yadav.

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The left-arm wrist spinner enjoyed a highly successful run with Delhi since joining in 2022, picking up 72 wickets in 65 matches and becoming a crucial part of the team’s bowling setup.

Kuldeep will join LSG at his existing contract value of 13.50 crore.

However, like Pant, Kuldeep also had a below-par IPL 2026 season, managing only 10 wickets in 12 matches. His dip in form was often highlighted as one of the reasons Delhi failed to qualify for the playoffs.

At one stage, Delhi skipper Axar Patel had openly admitted that the team needed more support from Kuldeep in spin-friendly conditions.

For Delhi Capitals, Pant’s return could signal a fresh start and perhaps even a leadership revival. For Lucknow, Kuldeep offers an experienced match-winner who could transform their bowling attack.

As IPL 2027 approaches, this trade has already set the tone for what promises to be another explosive season.