IN ONE OF THE biggest player movements in Indian Premier League history, Rishabh Pant is set to return to Delhi Capitals, while star spinner Kuldeep Yadav will move to Lucknow Super Giants in a high-profile trade officially confirmed by the IPL.
The deal marks a dramatic homecoming for Pant, who spent nine seasons with Delhi and captained the franchise for four years before leaving ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. After two disappointing seasons with Lucknow, both on a personal and team level, Pant has agreed to a significant salary reduction to facilitate the move.
Pant was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a record ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time. Under the trade agreement, he is expected to rejoin Delhi Capitals for approximately ₹15 crore, representing a ₹12 crore pay cut, nearly 45% of his previous salary.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, will move to Lucknow on his existing contract, ending a successful five-season stint with Delhi Capitals.
Lucknow signed Pant with enormous expectations, appointing him captain immediately after the record-breaking purchase. However, results failed to match the investment. Under Pant’s leadership, Lucknow endured a poor campaign and finished at the bottom of the league table, winning only four of their 14 matches. Reports indicate that Pant subsequently stepped away from the captaincy, paving the way for discussions about a return to Delhi.
The move reunites Pant with the franchise where he established himself as one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters. Delhi Capitals retained him through multiple seasons and entrusted him with captaincy responsibilities before their separation ahead of the 2025 auction.
Delhi regain a proven match-winner and a player deeply familiar with the franchise’s culture. Pant remains one of the IPL’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters and a major fan favorite in Delhi. His return could also reshape the team’s leadership structure heading into IPL 2027.
The Capitals are believed to view Pant as a cornerstone player around whom they can build their next cycle.
While losing a marquee player, Lucknow acquire one of India’s premier spin bowlers in Kuldeep Yadav. He has been among the IPL’s most effective wicket-taking spinners in recent years and strengthens an LSG bowling attack that lacked consistent wicket-taking options in the middle overs. The trade also provides Lucknow with greater salary flexibility after moving on from Pant’s massive ₹27-crore contract.
