Rishabh Pant returns to DC, as LSG gets Kuldeep Yadav in return

Former Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set for a return to Delhi Capitals (DC), while Kuldeep Yadav will join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), following one of the most significant player trades in recent IPL history.

Pant returns to the franchise where he spent nine seasons between 2016 and 2024, making 111 appearances – the most by any player for DC. One of the defining faces of the franchise for nearly a decade, he also captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024.

At the IPL 2025 Player Auction, Pant was acquired by LSG for a record-breaking INR 27 crore – the highest winning bid in IPL history. 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. Since arriving at the franchise in 2022, the left-arm wrist spinner has claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches and established himself as one of the most effective wicket-taking bowlers in the tournament.

One of India's premier white-ball bowlers, Kuldeep, will join LSG at his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore.

Pant and Kuldeep both had seasons that fell short based on their lofty standards. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 312 runs at an average of 28.36 whilst striking at 138.05. His form, adding to LSG's last-place finish in the standings, tipped the boat for management, resulting in the trade to take place just weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Kuldeep, on the other hand, also had a poor season, taking just 10 wickets from 12 matches. His economy of 10.29 was the highest in his IPL career ever since he made his debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016. He will now play at the Ekana International Stadium, which is well known for being on the slower side, which could help his bowling style a lot more than the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the capital city.