New Delhi: One of the biggest player moves in recent Indian Premier League history has seen Rishabh Pant return to Delhi Capitals, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav moving to Lucknow Super Giants in a high profile swap deal ahead of the next season.
Pant, who joined Lucknow Super Giants for a record Rs 27 crore ahead of the 2025 season, has accepted a substantial reduction in salary to make his return to the franchise where his IPL journey began. Under the new agreement, the wicketkeeper batter will earn Rs 15 crore per season with Delhi Capitals, while Kuldeep Yadav will receive Rs 13.50 crore with the Lucknow based franchise.
The move comes after a challenging two year spell for Pant at Lucknow. Appointed captain before the 2025 campaign, he struggled to replicate the form that had made him one of the league’s biggest stars. He scored 269 runs in the 2025 season and followed it with 312 runs in 2026 while batting in multiple positions across the order.
Pant first joined Delhi Capitals in 2016 and went on to become one of the most influential figures in the franchise’s history. He played 111 matches for the team, more than any other player, and captained the side in 43 games between 2021 and 2024.
Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, leaves Delhi after an impressive five season stint. Since joining the franchise in 2022, the left arm wrist spinner picked up 72 wickets in 65 matches and established himself as one of the league’s most reliable wicket takers.
The trade has been described as one of the most significant exchanges in IPL history and could reshape the fortunes of both franchises heading into the new season. While Delhi regain one of their most iconic players, Lucknow secure an experienced match winning spinner to strengthen their bowling attack.
