Lucknow Super Giants traded former captain Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals in exchange for left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav on Tuesday, June 23. The franchise had bought the wicketkeeper-batter for an enormous ₹27 crore on the Indian Premier League 2025 Mega Auction, making him the most costly player in IPL history.
Nevertheless, the left-hander failed to satisfy expectations during his time with the franchise, leading each side to part ways after only two seasons. After the trade, an old interview of LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka gained attention online.
In a conversation with Star Sports, Goenka had predicted that Pant would enjoy a 15-year profession and believed he could construct a legacy just like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, two of essentially the most successful captains in IPL history. The 65-year-old further remarked:
“Ye mere hisab se a minimum of 12..13..14..15 saal khelenge (He’ll play for a minimum of 15 years). It is a journey of the best way to win 4, five, or six IPL titles in these 15 years. People consider Mumbai and Chennai to be essentially the most successful teams. Mahi and Rohit Sharma are undeniably good. Mark my words, after 10 years, people will say Mahi, Rohit, and Rishabh.”
Rishabh pant join the elite list with kl Rahul and Ms Dhoni sack by Sanjeev Goenka pic.twitter.com/Y5pr4gQWGk
— ConsitentXVirat (@Viratiaaaaaaan) June 23, 2026
Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, LSG ended IPL 2026 at the underside of the table, managing only 4 wins in 14 league games. Pant also had a disappointing season with the bat, scoring 313 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 138.05.
Rishabh Pant Suffers Huge Pay Cut After Return to DC
Rishabh Pant is ready to return to his former franchise, DC, but as a part of the trade, he has agreed to a big pay cut, along with his recent salary fixed at ₹15 crore. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav has moved to LSG while retaining his existing ₹13.50 crore contract. Confirming the trade, the IPL said in an official statement:
“Former Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is ready for a return to Delhi Capitals (DC), while Kuldeep Yadav will join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), following one of the vital significant player trades in recent IPL history.”
“On the TATA IPL 2025 Player Auction, Pant was acquired by LSG for a record-breaking INR 27 crore – the very best winning bid in IPL history. Following the trade, he’ll rejoin DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore.”
Notably, Rishabh Pant began his IPL journey with Delhi in 2016 and remained with the franchise until 2024. He also holds the record for essentially the most appearances for DC, having played 111 matches for the team.
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