LSG’s ₹9.75 Crore Star Avesh Khan Reacts to Pant-Kuldeep Trade, Calls It a ‘Good Deal for Both Teams’

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Avesh Khan has backed the franchise’s decision to trade former captain Rishabh Pant to Delhi capitals (DC) in exchange for star spinner Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

The high-profile trade became one of the biggest talking points after IPL 2026, with Pant returning to his former franchise Delhi Capitals for ₹15 crore after spending two seasons with Lucknow. Kuldeep, meanwhile, joined LSG for ₹13.50 crore to strengthen their bowling attack.

Avesh feels the move is beneficial for both teams, particularly because Kuldeep’s bowling style is expected to thrive at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium.

“That was a management decision based on their needs. I believe it’s a good deal for both teams. Delhi got Rishabh Pant back, and we got Kuldeep, whose experience as a world-class spinner will be very beneficial for us on our large home ground,” Avesh Khan told ANI.

How Pant and Kuldeep Performed in IPL 2026

Both players endured disappointing IPL 2026 campaigns compared to their usual standards.

Kuldeep Yadav managed only 10 wickets in 12 matches and struggled with an economy rate of 10.29. It was a significant drop from his impressive performances in previous seasons.

Rishabh Pant also failed to make a major impact for LSG. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 312 runs in 13 innings at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05, registering just one half-century during the season.

Pant Returns Home to Delhi Capitals

After two difficult seasons with Lucknow, Pant has completed a return to Delhi Capitals, the franchise where he spent the first nine years of his IPL career and established himself as one of India’s most exciting wicketkeeper-batters.

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has already welcomed Pant back and reportedly intends to give him complete freedom to play his natural attacking game without restricting his shot-making approach.

Who Will Captain Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2027?

With Pant stepping down and leaving the franchise, LSG now face a major leadership decision ahead of IPL 2027.

Several experienced candidates are available within the squad:

• Mitchell Marsh – Australia’s T20I captain and an experienced leader.
• Aiden Markram – South Africa’s T20I captain with international leadership credentials.
• Nicholas Pooran – Currently captains MI New York and Trinbago Knight Riders and has won titles as captain.
• Josh Inglis – Recently led Australia in limited-overs cricket during Marsh’s absence.

While the franchise has not yet announced its decision, the captaincy race is expected to be one of the biggest storylines heading into IPL 2027.