IPL Trade: Rishabh Pant Returns to DC: No one knows what might happen next in the world of the IPL. Memories of IPL 2026 had barely faded when the BCCI announced a high-profile trade that has shaken the entire cricketing world.
Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player of the IPL 2025 auction, has returned to his former team, Delhi Capitals (DC). However, this homecoming has come at a massive financial cost. Meanwhile, to bring Pant back, Delhi has traded their star ‘Chinaman’ bowler, Kuldeep Yadav, to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals with 12 Cr Loss
In the IPL 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants had purchased Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore. However, under the latest trade deal, Delhi Capitals have acquired him for INR 15 crore in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav.
The Math: As a result of this swap, Rishabh Pant has incurred a staggering loss of INR 12 crore. Pant’s decision to prioritize his old home (Delhi) over financial gain is truly surprising.
Pant’s LSG Exit After Poor IPL 2026 Season
It is worth recalling that Delhi Capitals had released Pant prior to the IPL 2025 mega auction. Although Delhi attempted to buy him back during the auction, Lucknow ultimately won the bid.
Lucknow had handed the team’s captaincy to Pant, but he was unable to lead the side to the desired level of success.
Notably, Lucknow Super Giants’ performance in IPL 2026 was extremely disappointing. Following this poor showing, there was speculation that Pant might part ways with Lucknow. Ultimately, he resigned from the captaincy and has now left the team as well.
The Emotional Connection: Homecoming for Both Players
This trade is particularly special for both players:
- Rishabh Pant: Delhi is the team where Pant began his IPL career. He was part of this franchise for nine consecutive years. Now, he will once again be seen playing at his old home ground.
- Kuldeep Yadav: After his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep delivered outstanding performances for Delhi. Now, he will play for the franchise representing his home state of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Super Giants), which promises to be a fantastic experience for him.
Will Rishabh Pant Become Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2027?
With Pant’s return, the biggest question now arising is whether he will be appointed captain of Delhi Capitals once again.
After Pant left for Lucknow, Axar Patel took over the captaincy of Delhi but could not lead the team to any significant success. Given that Pant has previously captained Delhi for four years and understands the team’s dynamics well, it would come as no surprise if Rishabh Pant takes the field as the regular captain of Delhi Capitals once again in IPL 2027.
