![Rishabh Pant led LSG in two seasons. [Image Credits- AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782382069645_aveshkhanrishabhpantkuldeepyadavtrade.jpg?type=hq)
Rishabh Pant led LSG in two seasons. [Image Credits- AFP]
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have already begin their preparations for the IPL 2027, after failing to qualify for the playoffs this year. The two teams have been involved in the mother of all trades, with Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav switching their previous franchises.
The former LSG captain to gone back to where it all started for him as an IPL player, while DC have let go of one of the deadliest spinners current Kuldeep, who will be playing for his fourth IPL team in IPL 2027.
Regardless, this deal is looked at one a win-win situation for both DC and LSG, who have got what they wanted at their own terms.
Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav can solve puzzles for LSG, DC
This season, LSG had one of the most exciting pace attacks, comprising of Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav.
However, they missed a quality spinner after Wanindu Hasaranga ditched them at the last minute. Kuldeep Yadav's introduction will only make Lucknow's bowling even more lethal.
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Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who has led DC previously, might becoming the missing X-Factor in their middle order.
The wicketkeeper is the highest run-getter for the franchise, with 3284 runs in 111 games at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93.
Avesh Khan calls Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade good deal
Although the two franchises posted after the Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade was officially announced, the first statement from the LSG camp about the same has been released. Lucknow seamer Avesh Khan called the trade a good one for both teams.
"That was a management decision based on their needs. I believe it's a good deal for both teams. Delhi got Rishabh Pant back, and we got Kuldeep whose experience as a world-class spinner will be very beneficial for us on our large home ground," Avesh told ANI.
Notably, Avesh made his IPL debut against Rishabh Pant's DC, but played next four seasons under the swashbuckling southpaw's captaincy at Delhi.
The right-arm quick then moved to LSG for IPL 2022 and IPL 2023, before rejoining Lucknow from 2025. IPL 2025 again saw the Rishabh Pant-Avesh Khan association.
What's next for LSG after Rishabh Pant's departure?
Rishabh Pant was bought for a massive price tag of INR 27 crore by the Lucknow franchise, eyeing at him as their leader for next ten years. However, he failed to pay off the trust invested in him, failing both as captain and batter in his two-year stint with the Super Giants.
As soon as the IPL 2026 concluded, Pant was removed as captain, before he was eventually traded to Delhi. With his departure, LSG are in a need of captain, with Mitchell Marsh being the front-runner for the job.
Apart from Marsh, the team management can also looked at Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran, or target some other player in the mini-auction ahead of IPL 2027.
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