The big news before IPL 2027 comming up as Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Lucknow Super Giants are set to release Pant to his former franchise in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav, in what will be the first trade ahead of IPL 2027. The move comes with a significant financial sacrifice from Pant, who has agreed to take a massive pay cut to make the deal happen.
How the Trade Came Together
Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 27 crore at the 2025 mega auction. That record salary became the biggest obstacle once talks of a return to Delhi began. No franchise could easily absorb a contract of that size without disrupting its entire squad structure.
To clear that hurdle, Pant agreed to join Delhi Capitals for INR 15 crore instead, a reduction of nearly INR 12 crore from his previous deal. That works out to a pay cut of around 44.44 percent, making him only the second major name after Ravindra Jadeja to take such a significant reduction as part of a trade.
What Both Franchises Gain From the Deal
The trade works in both directions financially. Lucknow Super Giants will receive Kuldeep Yadav on his existing salary of INR 13.25 crore. Because Pant’s outgoing salary was higher than Kuldeep’s incoming salary, LSG will actually have INR 13.75 crore added back into their auction purse once the swap is finalised.
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will have INR 1.25 crore deducted from their purse to accommodate Pant’s new INR 15 crore salary. Both franchises are still completing the formalities of the deal, and it will need to be ratified by the BCCI before it becomes official.
Why Pant Is Leaving Lucknow
Pant’s two seasons at Lucknow Super Giants did not go to plan. As captain, he won 10 matches and lost 18. His batting numbers also dipped compared to his career figures, with 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74, both lower than his usual output in the format.
LSG’s think tank ultimately decided the team needed a fresh leadership direction. Pant stepped down as captain following a difficult 2026 season that saw Lucknow finish at the bottom of the table. That set the stage for this trade to move forward.
A True Homecoming for Pant
This is not just any move for Pant. He played 111 matches for Delhi between 2016 and 2024, captaining the franchise in 43 of those matches and becoming the fifth youngest captain in IPL history during his time there. He was released ahead of the 2025 mega auction after talks with the Delhi leadership group, which included co-owner Kiran Grandhi and Parth Jindal.
Now he returns to the franchise where he built his reputation, under a completely different management setup. JSW Group, led by Parth Jindal, will control Delhi Capitals for the next two IPL seasons, marking a fresh chapter for both the player and the franchise.
Yuvraj Singh’s Appointment Adds to the Overhaul
Pant’s return is just one part of a much bigger transformation taking shape at Delhi Capitals. Sourav Ganguly is expected to return as Director of Cricket, and Yuvraj Singh has been appointed head coach, marking his first ever formal coaching role in the IPL. You can read the full story of how that appointment came together in our earlier piece on Yuvraj Singh joining Delhi Capitals as head coach.
Having Ganguly overseeing cricketing operations and Yuvraj leading the dugout gives Delhi Capitals a coaching unit built on genuine title-winning experience. Pant returning to a franchise now led by two of his most respected former seniors could be exactly the environment he needs to rediscover his best form.
What This Means for Delhi Capitals Going Forward
Delhi Capitals have missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons and are still chasing their maiden IPL title. This off-season overhaul, built around Pant’s return, Yuvraj’s coaching appointment, and Ganguly’s leadership, represents the franchise’s clearest attempt yet to break that pattern.
Pant slots back into a Delhi squad that already includes KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and captain Axar Patel. How the franchise balances multiple senior players in similar roles will be one of the biggest questions heading into the new season, but the intent behind this rebuild is unmistakable. This deal will shape the new direction of IPL and impact this league to massive rate in a positive way possible especially for DC.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals is about far more than one trade. It is the centrepiece of a complete reset at a franchise desperate to finally win the title that has eluded them since their founding. With Yuvraj Singh now in the dugout and Sourav Ganguly steering operations, Delhi Capitals are betting that bringing their old talisman home, even at a reduced price, is the move that finally turns their fortunes around.
