Here Comes IPL Transfer Bombshell - Lucknow Trade Record-Buy Rishabh Pant For Kuldeep Yadav

In one of the most high-profile player transfers in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) officially confirmed a blockbuster trade between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav.

Pant, 28, will be back at his spiritual home at Delhi Capitals, while premier left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav moves in the opposite direction to join LSG ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

"Pant returns to the franchise where he spent nine seasons between 2016 and 2024, making 111 appearances – the most by any player for DC," BCCI said in a release. "One of the defining faces of the franchise for nearly a decade, he also captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024."

The Prodigal Son Returns To Delhi

Rishabh Pant's return to Delhi Capitals marks the homecoming of the franchise's ultimate icon. The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter previously spent nine consecutive seasons with Delhi between 2016 and 2024.

During his initial stint, he became the most-capped player in the franchise's history with 111 appearances. Beyond his explosive batting, Pant served as the defining face of Delhi cricket, captaining the side in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024.

As reported earlier, following this multi-team agreement, Pant rejoins DC at a significantly revised fee of INR 15 crore. For the uninitiated, Pant was acquired by LSG at the IPL 2025 Player Auction for a historic, record-breaking fee of INR 27 crore.

Pant led LSG in the last two IPL seasons, where the franchise finished at the 7th and 10th spot respectively. His form with the bat was also not up to the mark, scoring only 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.74 with an average of 26.40.

As a captain too, he has won only 10 out of the 28 league matches, with a win percentage of just 35.71. On top of that, LSG finished last this year, winning only four out of the 14 matches played, a win percentage of 28.5.

Kuldeep Yadav Bolsters Lucknow's Bowling

The 31-year-old heads to Lucknow after a highly successful five-season spell with the Delhi franchise. Since joining DC in 2022, the left-arm wrist-spinner transformed his career, establishing himself as one of IPL's most effective bowlers and scalping 72 wickets in 65 matches.

Yadav will join LSG under his existing valuation, maintaining a fee of INR 13.50 crore.

To secure Pant, Delhi Capitals traded away India's premier white-ball spinner. Only time will reveal the true winner of this blockbuster move. However, one thing is certain -- this blockbuster trade completely reshapes the leadership and bowling dynamics of both teams.

Pant Follows Suit After Jadeja

Rishabh Pant remains the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought for INR 27 crore. However, after two disappointing seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, the left-hander has returned to Delhi Capitals through a trade deal involving a reduced contract value of INR 15 crore.

Pant is not the first active Indian cricketer to take a significant pay cut following a move. Earlier, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also accepted a reduced deal after changing franchises.

Jadeja, who was on an INR 18 crore contract with Chennai Super Kings, later moved to Rajasthan Royals. While Sanju Samson retained his full contract value, Jadeja and Sam Curran were valued at INR 14 crore and INR 2.4 crore respectively, with the remaining amount reportedly settled in cash.