Rishabh Pant is reportedly set for a dramatic return to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027, but the move could come at a significant financial cost. The wicketkeeper-batter became the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow Super Giants acquired him for ₹27 crore ahead of the 2025 season

 

However, his proposed switch back to Delhi is expected to come with a much smaller contract. The trade could also see Kuldeep Yadav head in the opposite direction, making it one of the biggest player exchanges in IPL history.

 

How much money will Rishabh Pant lose?

 

According to reports from Cricbuzz, Pant has agreed to join Delhi Capitals on a contract worth ₹15 crore. If the move is completed, it would mean a reduction of ₹12 crore from the ₹27 crore deal he signed with Lucknow Super Giants. In percentage terms, the India star would be taking a pay cut of around 44 percent.

 

The development marks a major shift in Pant’s IPL career. He spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024, scoring 3,284 runs in 111 matches and emerging as one of the franchise’s most influential players. However, his departure before the 2025 auction surprised many observers.

 

Pant’s exit from Delhi came during a period of administrative transition within the franchise. The team operates under a shared ownership structure between JSW Group and GMR Group, with both entities alternating operational control. Reports at the time suggested the ownership change played a role in Pant's release, eventually paving the way for his record-breaking move to Lucknow.

 

Read also: Rishabh Pant set For Delhi Capitals return but KL Rahul favoured as captain: Reports

 

Why are both franchises considering the trade?

 

Lucknow invested heavily in Pant with the expectation that he would lead the side for years. However, the results did not match expectations. Across two seasons, Pant scored 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.75, while LSG finished seventh and tenth respectively in the points table.

 

Questions were also raised about his leadership, and following a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, Pant stepped down as captain. If he rejoins Delhi Capitals, he is unlikely to reclaim the captaincy immediately, with KL Rahul reportedly among the frontrunners for the leadership role.

 

Kuldeep Yadav set to join Lucknow Super Giants

 

The proposed trade is not a one-way move. Reports indicate that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will leave Delhi Capitals and join Lucknow Super Giants. Unlike Pant, Kuldeep is expected to retain his existing salary of ₹13.25 crore.

 

Financially, the arrangement would benefit Lucknow as well. LSG would pay only ₹1.25 crore in addition to Kuldeep’s contract while sending Pant to Delhi. The franchise would also free up an additional ₹15 crore in their purse ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, giving them greater flexibility to strengthen their squad later this year.