In one of the most sensational player transfers in cricket history, a blockbuster trade has been confirmed. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is heading back to his old team, the Delhi Capitals. In a straight player swap, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will move out of DC to join the Lucknow Super Giants.
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| Image Credits: Reddit |
The most eye-catching detail of this mega-deal is Pant's
salary. After being bought by Lucknow for a record-breaking 27 crore in the IPL
2025 auction, Pant’s return to Delhi has been finalized at a lower fee of 15
crore. This means the 28-year-old is taking a 12 crore pay cut to make the
homecoming happen.
The move follows two tough seasons with Lucknow, where the
team finished at the bottom of the table, prompting Pant to step down from
leadership. He returns to Delhi purely as a player. For Delhi Capitals,
bringing Pant back is a massive emotional and tactical win. He remains the most
iconic face in the team's history, holding their all-time record for the most
appearances over nine seasons.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants secure a world-class spin
bowler in Kuldeep Yadav. Joining Lucknow at his existing contract value of 13.5
crore, Kuldeep moves to the team representing his home state. He leaves Delhi
after a highly successful five-year stint, where he completely revitalized his
career by taking 72 wickets. This blockbuster trade serves as a dramatic reset
for both teams as they rebuild for the future.
