Captain Axar Patel expressed happiness at the return of senior player Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL 2027. Pant, who was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants in 2025 for Rs 27 crore, will now rejoin Delhi Capitals for Rs 15 crore in a significant trade. Patel emphasized the mutual understanding between him and Pant during their previous stint together in the team.
Delhi Capitals released a video showing Axar Patel welcoming Rishabh Pant back to the squad and highlighting their camaraderie. Patel mentioned their past working relationship, where they operated with mutual respect and understanding of each other’s roles. He assured Pant of complete freedom and no added pressure from the team or himself, emphasizing Pant’s familiarity with the Delhi franchise.
In the video, Patel, as a friend and former captain of Pant, encouraged him to enjoy his game without any constraints. He reminded Pant of his exceptional talent and urged him to play freely, emphasizing that Pant has the full support and freedom to lead the team as he sees fit. Patel’s message to Pant was to focus on enjoying the game and showcasing his enduring class on the field.
Rishabh Pant, who had a long association with Delhi Capitals, holds the record for the most appearances for the team, having played 111 matches between 2016 and 2024. He also led the team in 43 matches over four seasons. In contrast, Kuldeep Yadav, who will move to Lucknow Super Giants, has been a key wicket-taking bowler for Delhi Capitals, claiming 72 wickets in 65 matches during his five-season tenure.
