Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow

A major trade is taking shape in the Indian Premier League that would see star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant return to the Delhi Capitals and spinner Kuldeep Yadav move to the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2027 season. The franchises have reportedly reached an agreement in principle for the swap, which is now pending approval from the IPL's Governing Council.

The proposed deal, which could be formalized once the official trade window opens, involves a player-plus-cash transaction. Pant, who was acquired by Lucknow for a record 27 crore rupees in the 2025 mega auction, would move to Delhi. In return, Kuldeep Yadav would join LSG, and Delhi would also pay a cash sum to Lucknow to balance the financial terms. Kuldeep's contract is valued at 13.25 crore rupees, and reports indicate Pant has agreed to a significant reduction in salary, accepting a deal worth approximately 15 crore rupees with his former franchise.

Pant's potential return follows a challenging two-season stint with Lucknow. Appointed captain upon his high-profile signing, he led the team to a seventh-place finish in 2025 and a last-place finish in the recently concluded 2026 season. He stepped down from the...