Rishabh Pant has stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain following the franchise’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter is also exploring potential trade options ahead of the next season, with several teams believed to be interested in acquiring one of India’s biggest T20 stars.
Lucknow Super Giants finished at the bottom of the points table during IPL 2026. The franchise managed only four wins from 14 league matches under Pant’s leadership. LSG had invested ₹27 crore to sign him before the 2025 season, making him one of the most expensive players in the history of the tournament.
Rishabh Pant Want To Go To Delhi Capitals Ahead of IPL 2027
Rohit Juglan from RevSportz shared details about Rishabh Pant‘s future, claiming that multiple franchises are exploring a possible trade. Juglan said that Pant is keen on returning to Delhi Capitals (DC), although other teams have also shown interest and are actively pursuing discussions.
“He wants to go to Delhi. Discussions and meetings are ongoing. But he has also received calls from Kolkata. There is another team as well, where there is talk of meeting the owner—this one is a BIG team,” Rohit Juglan posted on X.
He wants to go to Delhi. Discussions and meetings are ongoing. But he has also received calls from Kolkata. There is another team as well, where there is talk of meeting the owner—this one is a BIG team pic.twitter.com/Xi4OS9mBOm
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) May 30, 2026
The trade speculation comes after Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain. He led the franchise in 28 matches across two seasons, winning 10 and losing 18 for a win percentage of 35.71. During IPL 2025, he scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45.
In IPL 2026, the left-hander scored 312 runs in 13 innings at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05. He managed just one half-century during the season as Lucknow Super Giants finished at the bottom of the points table.
Also Read: No sackings! Justin Langer and Nicholas Pooran survive LSG overhaul after IPL failure
Delhi Capitals Could Reunite With Rishabh Pant Ahead Of IPL 2027
Rohit Juglan also claimed that Kolkata Knight Riders have contacted Rishabh Pant regarding a possible move. KKR have entered preliminary discussions as they explore potential squad changes ahead of the next IPL season.
A return to Delhi Capitals also appears to be a strong possibility. The JSW Group will take full control of the franchise’s cricket operations for the next two seasons, potentially opening the door for Pant’s return. The wicketkeeper-batter has previously shared a strong relationship with DC co-owner Parth Jindal.
If the move goes through, Delhi Capitals are reportedly interested in bringing Pant back as captain. He led the franchise in 43 matches between 2021 and 2024, winning 23 games and guiding the team to a top-of-the-table finish during his first season as skipper.
Delhi Capitals Remain Rishabh Pant’s Most Successful IPL Franchise
Rishabh Pant has enjoyed the most success with Delhi Capitals in the IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter spent eight seasons with the team between 2016 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous batters.
Pant scored 3,284 runs in 111 matches for Delhi Capitals at an average of 35.00 and an impressive strike rate of 148.93. He is still the leading run getter for the Delhi-based franchise in the IPL.
Pant registered 18 half-centuries and one century. His best performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018, when he smashed an unbeaten 128 off just 63 balls. The knock remains the highest score of his IPL career and one of the finest innings in Delhi Capitals history.
Also read: Mumbai Indians rocked by dressing-room leaks as franchise prepares tough talks with star players
