Rishabh Pant is set for a homecoming to Delhi Capitals, while Kuldeep Yadav will head in the opposite direction to Lucknow Super Giants after the two franchises completed a blockbuster trade ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
The Indian Premier League confirmed the high-profile swap on Tuesday, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the futures of two of India’s biggest white-ball stars.
Pant, who was acquired by LSG for a record Rs 27 crore ahead of IPL 2025, will return to the franchise where he spent the first nine seasons of his IPL career. The wicketkeeper-batter rejoins Delhi Capitals for a revised fee of Rs 15 crore.
Also Read: IPL: Rishabh Pant set for Delhi Capitals return with Rs 12 crore pay cut; Kuldeep could move to LSG
Kuldeep, meanwhile, leaves Delhi after a successful five-year stint and will join Lucknow Super Giants at his existing salary of Rs 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.
Pant remains one of the most influential players in Delhi Capitals’ history. Between 2016 and 2024, he made 111 appearances for the franchise, the most by any player for DC, and captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024.
His return comes after a difficult two-year spell with Lucknow. Despite arriving as the most expensive player in IPL history, Pant was unable to transform the franchise’s fortunes. LSG finished seventh in IPL 2025 before ending bottom of the table in IPL 2026.
The 27-year-old stepped down as captain before the conclusion of the 2026 season, with the franchise accepting his decision. During his tenure as skipper, LSG managed just 10 wins in 28 matches.
Kuldeep leaves Delhi Capitals as one of the franchise’s most reliable performers. The left-arm wrist spinner claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches during his five seasons with the team and established himself as one of the premier wicket-taking bowlers in the competition.
For Lucknow, the acquisition of Kuldeep adds an experienced match-winner to their bowling attack, while Delhi’s move signals a reunion with one of the franchise’s most iconic figures as they look to rebuild ahead of IPL 2027.
The trade also ends speculation surrounding Pant’s future after reports emerged that both Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders had expressed interest in securing his services for next season.