Rishabh Pant’s much-publicised stint with Lucknow Super Giants has come to an end after just two seasons, with the star wicketkeeper-batter returning to his former franchise, Delhi Capitals, in one of the biggest IPL trade deals in recent years. The move also sees left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav head in the opposite direction as Lucknow look to reshape their squad ahead of the 2027 season.
Pant joined LSG ahead of IPL 2025 for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history. The signing generated enormous excitement, with the franchise hoping the India star would lead them to greater success. However, the partnership failed to deliver the expected results, and both parties have now decided to move in a different direction.
As part of the trade agreement, Pant returns to Delhi Capitals for a revised salary of ₹15 crore, while Kuldeep Yadav joins Lucknow Super Giants at his existing contract value of ₹13.50 crore.
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Soon after the deal was confirmed, RisPant shared a brief but emotional farewell message for his former team. Reposting LSG’s tribute on Instagram, the wicketkeeper-batter simply wrote, “Thank You Team,” bringing the curtain down on his short stay with the franchise.
The move marks a homecoming for Pant, who spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024. During that period, he became one of the franchise’s most influential players, making 111 appearances—the most by any player in DC history. He also captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons and played a key role in establishing the team as a consistent playoff contender.
🚨 Announcement 🚨
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
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 23, 2026
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal also paid tribute to Kuldeep Yadav, thanking the spinner for his contributions over the last five years.
“Dear Kuldeep, thank you for your service over the last five years at Delhi Capitals. You have been a core part of our team, and you will be sorely missed,” Parth Jindal wrote on social media. He also welcomed Pant back to the franchise. “Rishabh – Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi,” he added.
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Pant’s departure closes a disappointing chapter for LSG. During his two seasons with the franchise, Lucknow failed to qualify for the playoffs, culminating in a last-place finish in IPL 2026—their poorest campaign since entering the league in 2022.
