News · 28 Sept 2026
Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav Complete High-Profile Trade Between DC and LSG
Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals (DC), while Kuldeep Yadav is moving to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a major IPL player trade announced on 23 June 2026.
Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals (DC), while Kuldeep Yadav is moving to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a major IPL player trade announced on 23 June 2026.
According to the official IPL announcement, Pant spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024 and made 111 appearances for the franchise. Kuldeep, meanwhile, played five seasons for DC from 2022 and took 72 wickets in 65 matches.
The trade also changes the financial terms attached to both players. Pant returns to Delhi at a revised fee of ₹15 crore, while Kuldeep joins Lucknow at his existing fee of ₹13.50 crore.
Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav Trade: What Happened?
The player exchange involves two established Indian cricketers moving in opposite directions.
Rishabh Pant, who had represented Delhi Capitals for nine seasons, returns to the franchise after spending the 2025 and 2026 period with Lucknow Super Giants.
Kuldeep Yadav, who became an important part of Delhi's bowling attack after joining the franchise in 2022, moves from DC to LSG.
The official IPL release describes the transaction as one of the significant player trades in recent IPL history.
Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals
Rishabh Pant has a long association with Delhi Capitals.
The wicketkeeper-batter joined the franchise in 2016 and remained with the team through the 2024 season. During that period, he became one of the most recognizable players associated with the franchise.
The IPL states that Pant made 111 appearances for Delhi Capitals, the most by any player for the franchise at the time of the announcement. He also captained DC in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024.
His return therefore represents more than a straightforward change of team. It brings back a player with a substantial history at the franchise.
Pant's LSG Chapter
At the 2025 IPL Player Auction, Lucknow Super Giants acquired Pant for ₹27 crore, which the IPL identified as the highest winning bid in IPL history at that auction.
Following the trade back to Delhi Capitals, his revised fee is ₹15 crore.
This makes Pant's movement particularly notable because of the difference between his previous auction-winning price and the revised fee attached to his return to DC.
Kuldeep Yadav Moves to Lucknow Super Giants
Kuldeep Yadav joined Delhi Capitals in 2022 and spent five seasons with the franchise.
During his DC spell, the left-arm wrist-spinner took 72 wickets in 65 matches, according to the official IPL announcement. The league also described him as one of the tournament's effective wicket-taking bowlers during that period.
Kuldeep now moves to Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of ₹13.50 crore.
His move gives LSG an experienced Indian spin-bowling option with an established IPL record.
Kuldeep Yadav's Record With Delhi Capitals
Kuldeep's five-season run with DC produced a significant number of appearances and wickets.
Key DC figures:
- Joined Delhi Capitals: 2022
- Seasons with DC: 5
- Matches: 65
- Wickets: 72
- New franchise: Lucknow Super Giants
- Existing fee: ₹13.50 crore
These figures are from the official IPL trade announcement.
His wicket-taking record is one of the main statistical points to consider when looking at what he brings to his new franchise.
What the Trade Means for Delhi Capitals
Pant's return gives Delhi Capitals back a player who has a long history with the franchise.
His previous DC career included 111 appearances and 43 matches as captain.
From a team-building perspective, his return means DC will once again have an established Indian wicketkeeper-batter with extensive experience in the IPL.
However, future performances cannot be determined solely from a previous record. Team combinations, player availability, form and match conditions can all influence how a squad performs.
What the Trade Means for Lucknow Super Giants
For LSG, the arrival of Kuldeep represents a significant bowling addition.
His 72 wickets in 65 matches for Delhi Capitals provide a clear statistical record of his IPL contribution during that period.
LSG also previously had Pant as its high-profile acquisition from the 2025 auction. With Pant moving back to DC, the franchise now adds Kuldeep as part of the player exchange.
How LSG uses Kuldeep will depend on its squad composition, match conditions and tactical requirements.
Why This Is a Major IPL Trade
Several elements make the exchange particularly noteworthy.
1. Two Established Indian Players Are Involved
Both Pant and Kuldeep have significant IPL experience and established international careers.
2. Pant Has a Strong DC History
Pant spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals and holds the franchise record for appearances mentioned in the IPL announcement, with 111 matches.
3. Kuldeep Has a Strong Recent DC Record
Kuldeep took 72 wickets in 65 matches after joining DC in 2022.
4. Pant's Fee Changes Significantly
Pant's ₹27 crore acquisition at the 2025 Player Auction was replaced by a revised fee of ₹15 crore following the trade.
5. Both Teams Address Different Squad Needs
Delhi regain a familiar wicketkeeper-batter, while Lucknow acquire an established Indian spinner.
What Cricket Fans Should Watch Next
The trade creates several areas of interest for IPL followers.
For Delhi Capitals, attention will naturally turn toward how Pant fits back into the team's squad structure and leadership setup.
For Lucknow Super Giants, Kuldeep's role within the bowling attack will be an important area to follow.
Fans following IPL team movements, player trades and future-season cricket developments can also explore IPL 2027 resources through IPL2027.co.
Importantly, the trade announcement confirms the player movement and financial terms, but it does not by itself predict future performances or results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav trade announced?
The IPL announced the trade on 23 June 2026.
Which team is Rishabh Pant joining?
Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals after his spell with Lucknow Super Giants.
Which team is Kuldeep Yadav joining?
Kuldeep Yadav is joining Lucknow Super Giants from Delhi Capitals.
How much is Rishabh Pant's revised fee?
Following the trade, Pant returns to Delhi Capitals at a revised fee of ₹15 crore.
How much was Rishabh Pant's 2025 auction price?
At the 2025 IPL Player Auction, Lucknow Super Giants acquired Pant for ₹27 crore, which the IPL identified as the highest winning bid in IPL history at that auction.
How many matches did Rishabh Pant play for Delhi Capitals?
Pant made 111 appearances for Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024, according to the IPL.
How many matches did Pant captain Delhi Capitals?
Pant captained Delhi Capitals in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024.
How many wickets did Kuldeep Yadav take for Delhi Capitals?
Kuldeep took 72 wickets in 65 matches for Delhi Capitals after joining the franchise in 2022.
What is Kuldeep Yadav's fee at Lucknow Super Giants?
Kuldeep joins Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of ₹13.50 crore.
Final Takeaway
The Rishabh Pant–Kuldeep Yadav trade creates a notable exchange between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Pant returns to the franchise where he spent nine seasons and made 111 appearances, while Kuldeep moves to LSG after taking 72 wickets in 65 matches for DC. Pant's revised fee is ₹15 crore, while Kuldeep retains his ₹13.50 crore fee.
For cricket fans, the trade provides a new chapter for two established IPL players. Their eventual impact will depend on future performances, team roles and match conditions rather than the trade itself.
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