Rishabh Pant Returns Home as Delhi Capitals Complete Blockbuster Swap With Kuldeep Yadav

Rishabh Pant is back at Delhi Capitals in one of the biggest player-for-player trades in IPL history. The wicketkeeper-batter returns to the franchise where he built his reputation, while Kuldeep Yadav moves to Lucknow Super Giants in a deal that could reshape both teams ahead of the next season.

Pant’s salary has been revised to ₹15 crore after the move, significantly lower than the record ₹27 crore contract he received when Lucknow Super Giants bought him ahead of IPL 2025.

The left-hander spent two seasons with LSG and even led the side after his record-breaking auction purchase. However, the partnership did not go as planned. Lucknow finished at the bottom of the table, and Pant stepped down as captain before the trade was completed.

His return marks a homecoming to Delhi Capitals, the franchise he represented for nine seasons. Pant was the face of the team for several years and captained the side for four seasons. Delhi view him as a long-term leader and one of the biggest stars in the league.

For Lucknow, the trade brings in one of India’s most successful wrist-spinners. Kuldeep’s salary remains in the ₹13.25-13.5 crore range, and he is expected to play a key role in strengthening the team’s bowling attack.

The move also carries personal significance for Kuldeep, who will now represent his home-state franchise. Known for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, the spinner gives LSG a proven match-winner as they look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

Pant’s exit from Delhi before the IPL 2025 auction had surprised many fans. At the time, the Capitals chose not to retain their biggest star, allowing him to enter the auction where LSG secured his services for a record fee.

Now, after a difficult stint in Lucknow, Pant finds himself back with the franchise where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. Delhi will hope his return brings stability, leadership and runs at the top level.

With a marquee captain returning to his former team and one of India’s leading spinners changing sides, this trade is set to be remembered as one of the most high-profile deals in IPL history.