23 June 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : In one of the biggest player swaps in Indian Premier League history, Rishabh Pant has officially returned to the Delhi Capitals, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav has moved to the Lucknow Super Giants in a high-profile trade confirmed ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
Pant Returns Home
Pant’s move marks a homecoming to the franchise where he spent nine seasons and served as captain for four years. After leaving Delhi ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant joined Lucknow Super Giants for a record ₹27 crore fee and was appointed captain.
However, his stint with LSG failed to deliver the desired results, with the franchise finishing at the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings. Pant subsequently stepped down as captain, paving the way for a return to Delhi.
Kuldeep Heads To Lucknow
As part of the deal, Kuldeep Yadav leaves Delhi Capitals after five successful seasons and joins Lucknow Super Giants. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been one of the IPL’s most consistent spin bowlers and is expected to strengthen LSG’s bowling attack significantly.
Significant Salary Adjustment
Reports indicate that Pant will return to Delhi on a substantially revised contract. After being bought by LSG for a record ₹27 crore, he is expected to play for Delhi at a significantly reduced fee, amounting to a pay cut of around ₹12 crore.
Strategic Move For Both Franchises
The trade reflects differing priorities for the two teams:
- Delhi Capitals regain an iconic former captain and fan favorite.
- Lucknow Super Giants acquire one of India’s premier spin bowlers.
- Both franchises reshape their core squads ahead of IPL 2027.
- The move is expected to influence leadership dynamics within both camps.
One Of IPL’s Biggest Trades
Cricket analysts have described the Pant-Kuldeep swap as one of the most significant player trades in IPL history due to the stature of both players and the financial implications involved. The combined value of the players’ previous contracts exceeded ₹40 crore, underlining the scale of the deal.
What It Means For IPL 2027
Delhi will hope Pant’s return can revive the franchise’s fortunes and provide leadership stability, while Lucknow will look to Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability to strengthen a squad seeking a fresh start after a disappointing campaign.
Key Takeaway
Rishabh Pant has completed a return to Delhi Capitals in a blockbuster IPL trade that sends Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants. The deal reunites Pant with his former franchise while giving LSG a proven match-winning spinner, making it one of the most significant trades in IPL history.