Rishabh Pant is poised to make a return to his former Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Delhi Capitals, where his career originally took off. After a two-season stint with Lucknow Super Giants that did not yield the desired results, Pant appears ready for a homecoming. In light of these developments, former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul to consider leaving Delhi Capitals if the move materializes.
Blockbuster Trade on the Cards
A major trade is in the works, with Pant set to join Delhi Capitals while Kuldeep Yadav moves in the opposite direction to Lucknow Super Giants. Reliable sources indicate that the deal is nearly finalized, with official paperwork currently under review by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
KL Rahul's Stellar Performance at Delhi Capitals
KL Rahul was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction and has delivered exceptional performances over two seasons. In his debut season with DC, Rahul emerged as the team's leading run-scorer, amassing 539 runs in 13 innings at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72.
Retained for Rs 14 crore ahead of IPL 2026, Rahul transformed his T20 approach, playing with immense attacking intent. Across 14 matches, he scored 593 runs at an average of 45.62 and a blistering strike rate of 174.41.
Dodda Ganesh's Advice to KL Rahul
Despite Rahul's success, Ganesh believes the wicketkeeper-batter should consider entering the auction if Pant returns to Delhi. "KL Rahul should ask for release and go to the auction if Pant comes back," Ganesh wrote on X.
Contrasting IPL 2026 Campaigns
KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant experienced contrasting IPL 2026 campaigns. While Rahul topped Delhi Capitals' batting charts as their highest run-scorer, Pant struggled for a second consecutive season with Lucknow Super Giants.
Pant, who joined LSG for Rs 27 crore, managed just 312 runs during the IPL 2026 season. Under his captaincy, the franchise finished at the bottom of the points table, prompting Pant to step down as captain. Before joining LSG, Pant spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals, playing 111 matches between 2016 and 2024. He also captained the franchise in 43 matches across three seasons before being released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
On the other hand, Rahul enjoyed another prolific season, scoring 593 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 174.41. His highest score was an unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
What Lies Ahead
As the trade deal awaits final approval from the BCCI, all eyes are on how Delhi Capitals will manage their roster. If Pant returns, it could create a logjam in the batting lineup, potentially forcing Rahul to seek opportunities elsewhere. The coming days will be crucial in determining the composition of the Delhi Capitals squad for the upcoming season.
