IPL 2027: Rishabh Pant Set for Delhi Capitals Return, Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants

New Delhi. Preparations are underway for a player trade between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season.

According to various reports, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's return to Delhi Capitals is almost certain. To return to Delhi, Pant is ready to take a cut of about 12 crore from his salary of 27 crore Indian Rupees.

As part of this trade, spinner Kuldeep Yadav will leave Delhi and become a part of Lucknow Super Giants. This trade agreement between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants has been sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for approval. As soon as it gets approval from the BCCI, Pant will return to Delhi, and Kuldeep will go to Lucknow.

Lucknow Super Giants had bought Rishabh Pant for 27 crore INR in the 2025 mega auction, which was the most expensive bid in IPL history. This huge amount was becoming the main obstacle for his trade, as it was not easy for any franchise to include a player by paying such a hefty sum.

To make this deal possible, Pant himself has agreed to reduce his salary. Now, he is likely to receive about 15 crore INR. Pant's move is considered similar to the step taken by Ravindra Jadeja when he was linked with Rajasthan Royals last season.

Return to Delhi after two years, but captaincy uncertain

Pant was a part of Delhi Capitals from 2016 to 2024. During this period, he played 111 matches and also captained the team in 43 matches across three seasons. However, he was released before the 2025 mega auction due to some disagreements with the GMR Group.

Now, for the next two years, the franchise's operation will be in the hands of JSW Group. Team co-owner Parth Jindal has been a long-time admirer of Pant, and it is said that he played a key role in Pant's return. However, even after returning to Delhi, it is still uncertain whether Pant will get the captaincy or not.

Pant, who previously captained Lucknow, could not achieve the desired performance with the team under his captaincy. Lucknow finished seventh in 2025 and tenth in 2026. Out of the 28 matches played under Pant's captaincy, Lucknow managed to win only 10 matches, and in the 2026 season, Pant's bat yielded only 312 runs. The team felt the need for a new captain, which led to his departure from Lucknow.

A chance for 'homecoming' for Kuldeep

According to the trade agreement, there will be no change in Kuldeep Yadav's salary. He will join Lucknow on his existing contract of 13.25 crore INR. Since Kuldeep plays domestic cricket from Uttar Pradesh, this change will be like a homecoming for him. Kuldeep has previously played for Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

Yuvraj Singh may be seen in a coaching role for the first time

Along with the player trade, a major overhaul is also expected in Delhi Capitals' support staff. Reports suggest that former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh may join the Delhi coaching staff. If this deal materializes, it will be Yuvraj's first official coaching tenure after his playing career.

Yuvraj has previously assisted young players like Abhishek Sharma, Prithvi Shaw, Abdul Samad, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant in their technical and mental preparation as a mentor.