Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals: A Major IPL Trade Announcement

In a thrilling development for IPL fans, Rishabh Pant is set to return to Delhi Capitals after a significant trade from Lucknow Super Giants. Captain Axar Patel has warmly welcomed him back, emphasizing the freedom and support Pant will have in his role. This article delves into the details of the trade, Patel's encouraging words, and a brief overview of Pant's IPL journey. Discover how this move could impact the upcoming season and what it means for both players and fans alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2026, 14:44 IST

Exciting News for Delhi Capitals

Captain Axar Patel expressed his excitement over the return of his close friend and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant to the Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL season.

Significant Player Trade in IPL

In a notable player exchange, Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has been traded to Delhi Capitals. In return, spinner Kuldeep Yadav will join LSG. Following this trade, Pant's IPL salary will be adjusted to Rs 15 crore, while Kuldeep will maintain his current salary of Rs 13.50 crore.

Patel Welcomes Pant Back

Delhi Capitals took to Instagram to share a warm welcome from Patel to Pant. Patel reminisced, "When he was here before, he was my captain. We had a mutual understanding without any hierarchy. He knows his strengths, and I know mine."

He continued, "As a friend and captain, I assure him there’s no added pressure from me or the franchise. This is his home; he has played here for years. I trust he will have complete freedom as a captain."

Encouragement from Patel

Patel concluded his message with encouragement, stating, "Just enjoy yourself and your game. Remember, form is temporary, but class is permanent. You belong to that elite category of players. Play freely and enjoy the game."

Rishabh Pant's IPL Career Overview

Pant began his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) in 2016. He played for DC across eight seasons before moving to LSG in 2025 after a record auction bid of Rs 27 crore. However, he faced challenges in the last two seasons, scoring only three fifty-plus innings out of 28, which included one century and two half-centuries. In IPL 2025, he accumulated 269 runs with an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.16.