Rishabh Pant Set for Return to Delhi Capitals as Lucknow Super Giants Plan Trade

Rishabh Pant is reportedly on the verge of leaving Lucknow Super Giants to rejoin Delhi Capitals in a significant trade deal. This move, valued at around Rs 15 crore, comes after a disappointing stint with LSG. In exchange, LSG is expected to acquire spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The trade is currently pending approval from the BCCI. Pant's leadership saw LSG struggle with a record of 10 wins and 18 losses over two seasons. This article explores the implications of Pant's return to his former franchise and the potential impact on IPL 2026.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 23:33 IST

Rishabh Pant's Potential Move Back to Delhi Capitals

New Delhi [India] - Reports indicate that the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are preparing to part ways with their captain, Rishabh Pant. There are strong indications that he may return to his previous team, the Delhi Capitals, in a trade deal valued at approximately Rs 15 crore (around US$1.5 million). This comes after LSG acquired Pant for a record Rs 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The two franchises are currently finalizing the details of the transaction, which will need to be approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for it to be officially confirmed.

Pant's potential transfer marks him as the second prominent player, following Ravindra Jadeja, to accept a significant salary reduction as part of an IPL trade.

Previously, a notable exchange took place between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, involving Jadeja and Sanju Samson, which included adjustments in contract valuations ahead of IPL 2026.

As per reports, Pant had also received interest from two other franchises, including another team with multiple IPL titles, before the deal with Delhi Capitals advanced.

In exchange, LSG is expected to acquire spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who plays for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and is likely to join a franchise representing his home state. Kuldeep had a mixed IPL season, having spent a significant portion of India's T20 World Cup campaign on the sidelines, but he has been a key player for DC since 2022, taking 72 wickets in 65 matches with an economy rate of 8.24.

Pant's tenure with LSG spanned two seasons, yielding disappointing results. Under his leadership, the team recorded 10 victories against 18 losses, while he accumulated 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74.