IPL 2027: Rishabh Pant returns to DC, Kuldeep Yadav joins LSG in blockbuster trade
Synopsis
Rishabh Pant is coming home — back to Delhi Capitals at ₹15 crore after a rocky two-season stint at LSG that ended with a captaincy resignation and a last-place finish. In exchange, Kuldeep Yadav heads to Lucknow with 72 DC wickets in his pocket. It is one of the most consequential franchise trades in recent IPL history.
Key Takeaways
Rishabh Pant returns to Delhi Capitals at a fee of ₹15 crore ahead of IPL 2027 .
Kuldeep Yadav joins Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of ₹13.5 crore .
Pant made 111 appearances for DC across nine seasons (2016–2024) — the most by any DC player.
Kuldeep took 72 wickets in 65 matches during his five seasons at DC.
Pant's LSG tenure ended with 10 wins and 18 defeats as captain; LSG finished last in IPL 2026 .
KKR were also reportedly in contention for Pant before DC secured the trade.
Rishabh Pant is set to return to Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kuldeep Yadav will move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after the two franchises formally completed a high-profile player trade ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the IPL governing body confirmed on Tuesday, 23 June. Pant rejoins DC at a revised fee of ₹15 crore, while Kuldeep moves to LSG at his existing valuation of ₹13.5 crore.
Trade Details and Fees
Pant had been acquired by LSG at the mega auction ahead of IPL 2025 for a then-record fee of ₹27 crore. His return to DC comes at a significantly reduced valuation of ₹15 crore. Kuldeep, who spent five seasons with Delhi Capitals, heads to Lucknow at his standing contract fee of ₹13.5 crore.
'Following the trade, he will rejoin DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore. Kuldeep joins LSG after a highly successful spell with Delhi Capitals lasting five seasons,' the IPL said in an official statement. 'One of India's premier white-ball bowlers, Kuldeep will join LSG at his existing fee of Rs 13.50 crore,' it added.
Pant's History With DC and LSG
Rishabh Pant spent nine seasons — from 2016 to 2024 — with Delhi Capitals, making 111 appearances, the most by any player in the franchise's history. He captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024, cementing his status as one of DC's defining figures.
His stint with LSG, however, proved turbulent. The franchise finished seventh in IPL 2025 and last in IPL 2026. Pant stepped down as LSG captain even before the IPL 2026 season concluded, a decision the franchise accepted. Across his two seasons as captain at LSG, he managed 10 wins against 18 defeats.
Kuldeep Yadav's Record at DC
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was among the most productive bowlers in DC's ranks during his five-year tenure. He claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches for the franchise, establishing himself as one of the tournament's most effective wicket-takers. His move to LSG adds a proven match-winner to a side that has struggled for consistency in recent seasons.
What This Means for Both Franchises
For Delhi Capitals, Pant's return brings back a talismanic presence and a leader who knows the franchise inside out. For LSG, acquiring Kuldeep addresses a key bowling gap while offloading a captain whose stint did not deliver results. Notably, reports had indicated that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — three-time IPL champions — were also in the running for Pant ahead of the 2027 season, making DC's successful pursuit all the more significant.
With the IPL 2027 auction cycle still unfolding, both franchises will look to build around their new acquisitions as they target a stronger campaign.
Point of View
The franchise finished bottom, and the ₹27 crore record fee became an uncomfortable talking point each match day. DC, meanwhile, have missed both his explosiveness behind the stumps and his instinctive leadership since 2024. Kuldeep's move to LSG makes tactical sense on paper, but LSG's deeper problem has been squad cohesion and strategic clarity — one bowler, however gifted, does not fix that. The real question for IPL 2027 is whether Pant's return galvanises DC or whether the franchise has structurally moved on without him.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rishabh Pant returning to Delhi Capitals?
Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals via a formal IPL trade confirmed on 23 June, rejoining at a revised fee of ₹15 crore. His two-season stint at Lucknow Super Giants was marked by poor team results — LSG finished seventh in IPL 2025 and last in IPL 2026 — and he stepped down as captain before the 2026 season ended.
How much did Delhi Capitals pay for Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2027 trade?
Delhi Capitals will pay ₹15 crore for Rishabh Pant under the trade agreement. This is significantly lower than the ₹27 crore LSG paid for him at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
What is Kuldeep Yadav's record at Delhi Capitals?
Kuldeep Yadav took 72 wickets in 65 matches during his five seasons at Delhi Capitals, making him one of the franchise's most prolific wicket-takers. He moves to Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of ₹13.5 crore.
How did Rishabh Pant perform as LSG captain?
As LSG captain across two IPL seasons, Rishabh Pant recorded 10 wins and 18 defeats. LSG finished seventh in IPL 2025 and last in IPL 2026. Pant resigned from the captaincy before the 2026 season concluded.
Were other franchises interested in Rishabh Pant for IPL 2027?
Yes, according to reports, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — three-time IPL champions — were also in contention for Rishabh Pant ahead of the 2027 season. Delhi Capitals ultimately secured the trade.
