IPL 2027: Rishabh Pant set for DC return as Kuldeep Yadav heads to LSG
Synopsis
Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 crore LSG experiment appears to be over after just two turbulent seasons — and he’s reportedly heading straight back to Delhi Capitals. The twist: Kuldeep Yadav, one of DC’s most reliable bowlers, is the price LSG extracts in return. It is a swap that reshapes two franchises ahead of IPL 2027.
Key Takeaways
Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to be traded from Lucknow Super Giants to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027 .
Kuldeep Yadav is understood to be moving to LSG as part of the swap; financial terms are still under negotiation pending BCCI and IPL approval.
Pant was bought by LSG for a record ₹27 crore at the 2025 mega auction but managed only 581 runs at an average of 26.4 across two seasons.
As LSG captain, Pant recorded 10 wins and 18 defeats before stepping down before the end of IPL 2026 , when LSG finished last.
Kuldeep has taken 72 wickets in 65 matches for DC since 2022 at an economy rate of 8.24 .
DC is now under JSW ( Parth Jindal ) control for the next two years, with Yuvraj Singh reportedly tipped for a coaching role.
Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to be traded back to Delhi Capitals (DC) from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, in what sources describe as the first trade move of the upcoming window. Kuldeep Yadav is understood to be heading in the opposite direction to LSG as part of the swap, though the financial terms and formal approvals remain pending.
The Pant-Kuldeep Swap: What We Know
According to a source familiar with the development, the trade is confirmed in principle but not yet finalised. “This is true that Rishabh-Kuldeep swap via trade is happening, and both franchises are busy with it. But the amount involved and the rest of the other formalities are pending approval from BCCI and IPL,” the source said on Friday.
The exact valuations at which Pant will move to DC and the price LSG will pay for Kuldeep are still under negotiation. The IPL trade window opens roughly a month after the season concludes and remains active until a week before the next auction, reopening again after the auction and closing a month before the tournament begins.
Pant’s Turbulent Stint at LSG
Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when LSG acquired him for ₹27 crore at the 2025 mega auction, following his release by DC over a dispute around the leadership role. His two seasons at Lucknow, however, proved difficult. As captain, he oversaw 10 wins and 18 defeats, and stepped down from the captaincy even before IPL 2026 concluded — a decision the franchise accepted.
LSG finished bottom of the points table in IPL 2026 after ending seventh in 2025. With the bat, Pant managed 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74 — figures well below his established benchmarks.
Pant’s Record at DC and Other Suitors
Before his move to LSG, Pant captained DC in 43 matches between 2021 and 2024, recording 23 wins and 19 losses. Reports indicate he was approached by two franchises for the 2027 season — DC, the first IPL team he represented over nine seasons, and three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Kuldeep’s Role at DC and What LSG Gains
Kuldeep Yadav has been a cornerstone of DC’s bowling attack since 2022, claiming 72 wickets in 65 games at an economy rate of 8.24. His departure would represent a significant shift in DC’s plans, while giving LSG a proven match-winning spinner to rebuild around.
DC Under New Leadership
The trade comes as DC’s control transitions to the Parth Jindal-led JSW group for the next two years, after the GMR Group oversaw decision-making during the 2025 and 2026 seasons — both of which ended without a playoff berth. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has also reportedly been tipped to join DC’s coaching staff for 2027, signalling a broader overhaul at the franchise.
Point of View
A possible new coach in Yuvraj Singh, and now a transformed squad. Whether that cocktail revives DC or compounds the chaos is the real IPL 2027 storyline.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rishabh Pant being traded to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2027?
According to sources, yes — Pant is reportedly set to return to Delhi Capitals from Lucknow Super Giants as part of a trade ahead of IPL 2027. The deal is understood to be confirmed in principle, though the financial terms and formal approvals from BCCI and IPL are still pending.
What does LSG get in the Rishabh Pant trade?
Kuldeep Yadav is reportedly heading to Lucknow Super Giants as part of the swap for Pant. The exact valuation at which LSG will acquire Kuldeep is still under discussion between the two franchises.
Why did Rishabh Pant leave LSG?
Pant stepped down as LSG captain before the end of IPL 2026, which LSG accepted. Under his captaincy across two seasons, LSG recorded 10 wins and 18 defeats, finishing bottom of the table in 2026. His batting returns — 581 runs at an average of 26.4 — were also below his usual standards.
How has Kuldeep Yadav performed for Delhi Capitals?
Kuldeep Yadav has been a key part of DC’s bowling attack since 2022, taking 72 wickets in 65 matches at an economy rate of 8.24. His departure would be a significant loss for DC’s bowling unit.
Who is in charge of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2027?
Control of Delhi Capitals has shifted to the Parth Jindal-led JSW group for the next two years, replacing the GMR Group, which oversaw the franchise during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. DC failed to qualify for the playoffs in both those seasons.
