In a significant move ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL), Rishabh Pant is expected to be traded from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to Delhi Capitals (DC), with Kuldeep Yadav possibly moving in the opposite direction. Pant became the costliest player in IPL history when LSG bought him for INR 27 crore in the 2025 mega auction after being released by DC due to leadership issues. The IPL trade window opens shortly after the season concludes and closes a week before the next auction.
The trade involving Pant and Kuldeep is currently in progress, with both franchises actively engaged in negotiations. However, the specific amounts for the trade are still being discussed and await approval from the BCCI and IPL. Pant had a challenging tenure with LSG, finishing at the bottom of the points table in IPL 2026 after a disappointing season. He relinquished his captaincy mid-season, with LSG honoring his decision. During his time with LSG, Pant led the team for two seasons, securing 10 wins and enduring 18 defeats.
Having scored 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74 with LSG, Pant’s performance was below his usual standards. In contrast, during his captaincy at DC from 2021 to 2024, he led the team in 43 matches, winning 23 and losing 19. Pant was approached by both DC, his former team, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2027 season. Meanwhile, Kuldeep has been a key bowler for DC, claiming 72 wickets in 65 games since 2022 at an economy rate of 8.24.
These developments coincide with Parth Jindal-led JSW taking control of DC for the next two years, following the GMR Group’s decision-making role in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, where DC failed to reach the playoffs. Additionally, there were reports of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh potentially joining DC’s coaching staff for the upcoming season.
