Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal officially welcomed Rishabh Pant back to the franchise while bidding an emotional farewell to star spinner Kuldeep Yadav. This public statement follows a blockbuster trade deal finalized between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
Jindal explicitly citeD Kuldeep’s 5-year tenure. This timeline is critical, Delhi Capitals picked up Kuldeep in 2022 when his career was at its lowest ebb and he was benched by his previous franchise. Under DC's management, he completely transformed his career into becoming India’s premier all-format wrist-spinner. "Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed.”
By mentioning his "home ground" (the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow), Jindal openly acknowledged that Kuldeep will thrive on the notoriously spin-friendly pitches of Lucknow, showing genuine goodwill to an outgoing asset.
Rishabh Pant left Delhi in 2024 following distinct management disagreements and leadership role clashes before heading into the mega auction. By presenting a joint welcome from both corporate heads (JSW and GMR groups), Jindal publicly signalled that all past operational rifts are completely healed, resetting the franchise's relationship with their marquee player. "Rishabh - Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC.”
Pant endured a highly stressful IPL 2026 campaign with Lucknow, shouldering both the burden of captaincy and a record-shattering ₹27 Crore price tag. Wishing for him to "find his best form back home", Jindal framed Delhi not as an employer, but as a safe ecosystem.
Rishabh Pant back to Delhi Capitals, Kuldeep Yadav moves home to Lucknow Super Giants
Kuldeep Yadav moves to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹13.25 Crore, marking a massive homecoming for the premier Indian wrist-spinner. He joins his home-state franchise after five highly successful years with Delhi Capitals.
This trade places him perfectly on the spin-friendly pitches of Lucknow's Ekana Stadium, where his tactical variations will spearhead the bowling attack.Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal bid an emotional farewell, thanking Kuldeep for transforming into a core match-winner during his tenure. Jindal publicly labeled him a "champion player" and stated he would be sorely missed.
The strategic move allows Kuldeep to play directly in front of his home crowd in Uttar Pradesh, maintaining his unchanged premium valuation while anchoring LSG's spin department for IPL 2027.
Rishabh Pant returns home to Delhi Capitals for ₹15 Crore, officially ending his high-pressure stint with Lucknow Super Giants. This massive homecoming reunites Pant with franchise owners Parth Jindal and Kiran Grandhi, completely repairing past management rifts.
To unlock his peak batting form, the franchise has strategically relieved him of captaincy duties, allowing him to play free from leadership burdens.The move comes with a significant salary deduction from his previous ₹27 Crore valuation at LSG. Jindal warmly welcomed him back publicly, expressing immense happiness and hope that the familiar Delhi ecosystem will rejuvenate the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman. Pant will now anchor DC's middle order for IPL 2027 as a pure, destructive match-winner.
