In one of the biggest player moves in Indian Premier League history, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to return to Delhi Capitals, while star spinner Kuldeep Yadav will move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as part of a blockbuster trade between the two franchises. Reports suggest Pant has agreed to a significant pay cut to facilitate the move.
Pant, who was purchased by LSG for a record ₹27 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season, is expected to rejoin Delhi Capitals for approximately ₹15 crore. The revised deal represents a salary reduction of around ₹12 crore but allows the 28-year-old to return to the franchise where he spent the majority of his IPL career and established himself as one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters.
The move comes after a disappointing stint with Lucknow Super Giants. Pant captained LSG for two seasons, but the team struggled to deliver consistent results, finishing near the bottom of the standings. He subsequently stepped down as captain, paving the way for discussions regarding a potential transfer.
For Delhi Capitals, Pant’s return represents a homecoming. He spent nine seasons with the franchise and led the side for four of those years. His aggressive batting, leadership experience, and popularity among fans make him a valuable addition as the Capitals look to rebuild for the upcoming IPL campaign.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, will make the switch to Lucknow Super Giants after spending five successful seasons with Delhi Capitals. The left-arm wrist spinner remains one of India’s most effective white-ball bowlers and is expected to strengthen LSG’s bowling attack significantly. Reports indicate that his salary package will remain unchanged following the transfer.
The trade is also expected to have financial implications for both franchises. By moving Pant’s ₹27 crore contract and acquiring Kuldeep’s lower-value deal, Lucknow will gain additional purse flexibility for future squad-building. Delhi, on the other hand, secures the services of a proven match-winner while bringing back a player closely associated with the franchise’s identity.
Cricket analysts have described the deal as one of the most significant player swaps in IPL history. While Delhi gains an experienced leader and explosive batter, Lucknow acquires one of the country’s premier spin bowlers and creates room to reshape its squad for future seasons.
As fans await official completion of all formalities, the Pant-Kuldeep swap has already emerged as one of the defining stories of the IPL off-season, with both franchises hoping the move will help them return to title contention in the years ahead.
