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The Indian Premier League (IPL) trade window has delivered the biggest shock, with Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav swapping franchises in a blockbuster deal between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday, June 23.
For weeks, there were a lot of speculations that Pant was set for the grand homecoming while Kuldeep would play for his home-based franchise following their poor IPL 2026 season. But now on Tuesday, the Indian Premier League officially confirmed the move.
Rishabh Pant returns home as Delhi Capitals pull off stunning IPL trade
Rishabh Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals for INR 15 crore, while Lucknow Super Giants have signed the experienced wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for INR 13.5 crore in a grand IPL trade deal. Pant’s revised fees are much lower than those he got in the 2025 mega auction.
Ahead of IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants had signed Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. However, the left-handed batter failed to live up to expectations both as a captain and player during his stint with the LSG.
Pant is now heading back to the Delhi Capitals, where he built his IPL career and became one of the team's biggest stars. He rejoined the franchise at a revised salary of INR 15 crore. Over the years, he became a key part of the team and also led Delhi Capitals as captain from 2021 to 2024. Now, Mitchell Marsh is likely to replace Rishabh Pant as LSG captain.
Kuldeep Yadav joins LSG in blockbuster trade
Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants have signed a proven match-winner in Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm spinner has been one of the biggest match winners in the IPL, and he could become the backbone of LSG’s bowling attack. LSG will be hoping that Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability strengthens their attack.
Kuldeep has joined Lucknow Super Giants after spending five successful seasons with Delhi Capitals. Since joining DC in 2022, the left-arm spinner took 72 wickets in 65 matches and became one of the team's most reliable bowlers.
India's one of the best spinners will now begin a new chapter with the Lucknow Super Giants and will continue on his existing contract worth INR 13.5 crore.
IPL confirms LSG sacrificed Rishabh Pant for Kuldeep Yadav
The IPL said in a media release: “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), following one of the most significant player trades in recent IPL history.
Following the trade, Pant will rejoin DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore, while Kuldeep will join LSG at his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore.”
🚨 Announcement 🚨
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 23, 2026
Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav complete high-profile trade between @DelhiCapitals and @LucknowIPL.
Rishabh Pant all set to rejoin #DC at INR 15 Crore whereas Kuldeep Yadav will join #LSG at INR 13.5 Crore.
More Details ▶️ https://t.co/64HeOX143I… pic.twitter.com/tIEvj7fgNo
Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav swap: LSG or DC, Who won the blockbuster trade?
Meanwhile, the Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade looks beneficial for both franchises. Delhi Capitals have brought back Rishabh Pant, one of the biggest stars in their history, at a much lower price than his previous contract with the LSG.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter knows the Delhi franchise well and enjoys a strong connection with the fans, so his return could give them a huge boost. He is likely to play only as a batter for DC.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants have strengthened a key area by signing Kuldeep Yadav. LSG lacked a quality and wicket-taking spinner, and then the Uttar Pradesh-born spinner’s homecoming will bring more crowds to Lucknow, and home advantage will help the bowler immensely.
