Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals After Trade with Lucknow Super Giants

In a significant move within the IPL, Rishabh Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals after a two-season stint with Lucknow Super Giants. The trade sees Pant rejoining the team where he made a remarkable impact over nine seasons. Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav transitions to LSG, marking a notable shift in the league. This trade not only highlights Pant's enduring legacy with DC but also sets a record for the highest bid in IPL history. Discover the details of this high-profile exchange and what it means for both franchises.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2026, 15:17 IST

Rishabh Pant's Transition Back to Delhi Capitals

The notable collaboration between Rishabh Pant, India's wicketkeeper-batter, and the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants has come to an end after just two seasons. A trade agreement has facilitated Pant's return to his previous team, the Delhi Capitals, while Kuldeep Yadav has made a significant move to LSG. Pant was acquired by LSG in 2025 for a staggering Rs 27 crore, marking the highest amount ever paid for a player during an IPL auction.

Pant's Farewell to LSG

As part of the trade, Pant returns to DC for a revised fee of Rs 15 crore, which means he will experience a pay cut of Rs 12 crore. Kuldeep Yadav joins LSG at his current valuation of Rs 13.50 crore. In a heartfelt farewell, Pant shared a brief message on Instagram, expressing gratitude to LSG with the words, "Thank You Team," alongside a post honoring his time with the franchise.

Pant is rejoining the team where he played for nine seasons from 2016 to 2024, making a total of 111 appearances—the highest for any player in DC's history. He captained the side in 43 matches over four seasons from 2021 to 2024, becoming a pivotal figure for the franchise.

Official Announcement from IPL

In an official statement, the IPL confirmed the significant trade: "Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav complete a high-profile trade between DC and LSG. Former Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set for a return to Delhi Capitals (DC), while Kuldeep Yadav will join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)." The statement highlighted Pant's impressive tenure with DC, noting his 111 appearances and leadership in 43 matches over four seasons. It also mentioned that Pant was acquired by LSG for a record-breaking INR 27 crore during the TATA IPL 2025 Player Auction.

Following the trade, Pant will rejoin DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore. Kuldeep, who has had a successful five-season stint with Delhi Capitals, will join LSG at his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore, having taken 72 wickets in 65 matches since joining the franchise in 2022.