Although IPL 2026 concluded nearly a month ago, the transfer rumours for the 2027 edition have begun spreading fast. One of the most high-profile trading could be that of Rishabh Pant as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain is set to move to the Delhi Capitals. However, it is also likely to come at a cost, given the keeper-batter will reportedly take a pay cut of ₹12 crore and be moved for ₹15 crore.
Lucknow Super Giants are set to release Pant, who is expected to return to his former franchise, Delhi Capitals, in a trade worth Rs 15 crore (approx. US$1.5 million), after being bought by LSG for a record Rs 27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The two franchises are currently completing the formalities of the deal and will require approval from the BCCI for final ratification.
Pant’s move makes him the second high-profile player, after Ravindra Jadeja, to take a significant pay cut as part of an IPL trade. Earlier, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals executed a major swap involving Jadeja and Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026, with adjustments in valuation across contracts.
How did Rishabh Pant perform for the Lucknow Super Giants?
Pant’s stint with LSG lasted two seasons but produced underwhelming results. As captain, he managed 10 wins and 18 losses, while scoring 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74. Pant had previously captained DC for four seasons before being released ahead of the 2025 auction, where he was bought by LSG for a staggering Rs 27 crore. Following the 2026 IPL, Pant has stepped down as the captain of LSG after the team’s bottom-table finish in the 2026 season. LSG finished last in the IPL 2026 season with just four wins in 14 matches.
Will Rishabh Pant become the captain of the Delhi Capitals?
While Pant could return to the Capitals, he is unlikely to get the captain’s responsibilities, with KL Rahul as the frontrunner to replace Axar Patel, who failed to take the franchise to the playoffs in his two seasons in charge. The 34-year-old shone with the bat in IPL 2026, aggregating 593 runs in 14 games at 45.62 alongside a strike rate of 174.41.
The Capitals are also likely to have Sourav Ganguly as the head coach, replacing Hemang Badani, while Yuvraj Singh could be the batting coach.
(With inputs from ANI)
