As per a latest report in ESPNCricinfo, we might just witness the first trade deal of IPL 2027 very soon. And it is supposed to take place between DC and LSG — with Delhi getting Rishabh Pant back after a gap of two years, for Kuldeep Yadav. Yes, Lucknow will get their hands on chinaman Kuldeep. 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
Further, Pant who was bagged by LSG for INR 27 Cr, will go back to DC for only 15 Cr. It seems that the formalities are still being completed by both the franchises. Interestingly, the southpaw keeper-batter was approached by two teams — DC and a team that has won IPL more than once.
It is to be reminded, that both Pant and Kuldeep had mediocre seasons for their respective teams. 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. This year he could only score 312 runs, while in 2025 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, what would be the terms of this IPL trade. Since there is a huge salary gap between the two, there could be an additional player that LSG could ask for. 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.
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