Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav played together for DC. PC- AFP
In a colossal development, talks for Kuldeep Yadav's potential trade from Delhi Capitals to Lucknow Super Giants have begun for the IPL 2027. Moreover, LSG's former captain Rishabh Pant may return back to his former team.
The 31-year-old Kuldeep Yadav was evidently not in DC's plans in IPL 2026, as the chinaman only played 11 innings in the recently concluded season, where he went wicketless on six different occasions.
Meanwhile, there has been growing speculation of a DC return for Rishabh Pant, who had yet another horrendous season with Lucknow. The 28-year-old had a disappointing season, in which he scored 312 runs in 13 outings, as he threw his side under the bus in numerous pressure situations.
Kuldeep Yadav set to don LSG's jersey; DC return for Rishabh Pant
As reported by the Times of India, LSG are willing to get Kuldeep Yadav from IPL 2027, after missing a lead spin this season.
"India spinner Kuldeep Yadav is all set to turn out for a new franchise from the 2027 edition of the Indian Premier League. Timesofindia.com has learnt that the chinaman bowler will play for the Lucknow Supergiants from next season," the report by Times of India stated.
Additionally, Rishabh Pant may also be released by his current IPL franchise to rejoin the Delhi Capitals.
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"In another notable development, momentum is gathering for a potential returns to Delhi Capitals for Rishabh Pant," it added.
LSG failed Rishabh Pant punt
Notably, LSG acquired the wicketkeeper-batter for a whopping INR 27 crore, beating DC, which had the second-to-last bid for Rishabh Pant.
However, the Pant-LSG punt didn’t fare well, as the stylish southpaw could only notch 581 runs playing two seasons for the franchise. Moreover, under his leadership, they failed to qualify for the playoffs on both occasions.
As a result, Rishabh Pant decided to call it quits as captain at LSG after they finished in last place on the IPL 2026 Points Table, losing 10 matches and winning just four of them.
How can Kuldeep Yadav solve LSG's conundrum?
LSG didn’t have a front-line spinner throughout the season, as Wanindu Hasaranga left them in deep waters. Although they had one of the most exciting fast-bowling attacks, Lucknow lacked a wicket-taker who could be an enforcer in the middle overs, usually the best time for spinners to operate.
Thus, if Kuldeep joins the franchise, it will be a win-win situation for both the parties, given the local boy will also have favourable conditions at the Ekana Stadium, LSG’s home ground.
The Chinaman has been with three teams in the IPL, scalping 112 wickets in 110 matches at an incredible economy of 8.25. However, the last season wasn’t a great way by Kuldeep’s standards, taking 10 wickets in 11 innings at an economy of 10.29- the first time over 10 RPO in a season for the left-arm leg-spinner.
With both DC and LSG not having a great time in IPL 2026, a lot of trades and releases can be expected ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auctions, although CREX cannot confirm whether Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav will be traded or exchanged in some other way.
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