A blockbuster trade deal has sent shockwaves through the IPL world ahead of the upcoming season. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to pull on the Delhi Capitals jersey once again, while left-arm chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav heads in the opposite direction to join Lucknow Super Giants. This swap is widely regarded as one of the most significant and talked-about trades in recent IPL history.
A Deep Bond With Delhi
Rishabh Pant's connection with Delhi Capitals runs long and deep. He represented the franchise from 2016 to 2024, consistently standing out as one of its most recognisable faces throughout that period. He racked up 111 appearances for Delhi Capitals, a record for any individual player in the team's history. Between 2021 and 2024, he also led the side as captain across 43 matches spread over four seasons.
The narrative shifted sharply at the IPL 2025 mega auction, when Lucknow Super Giants splashed a record ₹27 crore to bring Pant to their camp, the highest bid ever recorded in IPL history. However, his time at LSG proved deeply frustrating. Under his captaincy, the team finished seventh in IPL 2025, and the following season was grimmer still, with LSG finishing at the very bottom of the table in IPL 2026. Pant struggled both with the bat and in his role as captain, unable to contribute consistent runs or steer the team to victories. With this trade now finalised, he returns to Delhi Capitals, where his new salary is set at ₹15 crore.
Kuldeep Yadav Starts a New Chapter at LSG
The other side of this deal sees Kuldeep Yadav bring his successful stint at Delhi Capitals to a close. The left-arm chinaman spinner joined Delhi in 2022 and over five seasons became the cornerstone of their bowling attack. In 65 matches for the franchise, he claimed 72 wickets, regularly turning the tide of games with sharp, attacking spells. Regarded as one of India's most dependable spinners in limited-overs cricket, Kuldeep will now represent Lucknow Super Giants, joining them on his existing contract worth ₹13.50 crore.
