As per a latest report in the Times of India, DC spinner Kuldeep Yadav is all set to play for LSG in the IPL 2027. On the other hand, Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant could return to Delhi — his first franchise in the tournament. While there is no official confirmation about the same, but one can possibly say, there is no smoke without fire.
Rishabh Pant to leave LSG?
Both Pant and Kuldeep had mediocre seasons for their respective franchises. In fact, after not being able to lead LSG to the playoffs for the second time in a row, Pant had stepped down from captaincy as well. It is important to note that he had become the most expensive player in the history of the IPL, when he was sold to Lucknow for INR 27 Cr.
This year he could only score 312 runs, while in the last he had scored 269. To top it all, the team finished at the bottom of the points table as well. “Rishabh approached the franchise with his request and we have respectfully accepted it. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything Rishabh has brought to this dressing room as captain. Our focus now is on the collective – rebuilding and restructuring to reach the best standards,” LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody had said regarding Pant stepping down.
Kuldeep Yadav out of DC?
But it is still not clear, if he will return as DC skipper or not, with Axar already leading the side. On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav perhaps could not justify his hefty price tag of INR 13.25 Cr. This year, he picked up 10 wickets in 12 games, where his economy was 10.29.
Now, it also remains to be seen, if this could an IPL trade deal between the sides, for the two players. Since there is a huge salary gap between the two, there could be an additional player that LSG could ask for, if it is happening at all. But expect some weird decisions to happen right after the IPL.
In another move, DC is most likely to appoint Yuvraj Singh as their support staff member. Again, there is no statement, but as per a report in TOI, a senior Delhi official has already confirmed of the move.
