The Indian Premier League (IPL) landscape underwent a significant transformation on June 23, 2026, as a high-profile trade deal between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was officially confirmed. In a move that has sent ripples through the cricketing fraternity, former Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant is set to make a nostalgic return to his original franchise, the Delhi Capitals, while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav moves in the opposite direction to join the Super Giants.
This blockbuster trade comes as both franchises look to restructure ahead of the 2027 season. Pant, who had joined Lucknow ahead of the 2025 season for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, has agreed to a substantial pay cut, moving to Delhi for INR 15 crore. For Pant, this marks a homecoming to the franchise where he spent nine illustrious seasons between 2016 and 2024, featuring in 111 matches, the most by any player for the Capitals, and captaining the side for four years. His tenure at Lucknow was marked by a difficult 2026 campaign, after which he stepped down from the captaincy.
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On the other side of the swap, Kuldeep Yadav joins Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore. Kuldeep, who became an integral part of the Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit after joining in 2022, claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches for the franchise. His move to Lucknow marks the third team of his IPL career, following his previous stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.
The IPL Governing Council confirmed that the trade was finalized on Tuesday afternoon. The deal is viewed as a strategic shift for both sides, with Delhi aiming to leverage Pant’s leadership and deep-rooted history with the franchise to rebuild their core, while Lucknow seeks powerful support to their spin department with the experience and wicket-taking prowess of Kuldeep Yadav. As the teams prepare for the upcoming auction cycle, this swap stands as one of the most significant player movements in the upcoming IPL edition.
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