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Rishabh Pant’s proposed return to Delhi Capitals has dominated the IPL headlines over the last 24 hours, but the former Lucknow Super Giants captain was close to joining another franchise before the deal took shape.
Before Delhi Capitals emerged as favourites, Kolkata Knight Riders had explored the possibility of bringing Rishabh Pant to Eden Gardens ahead of IPL 2027. However, the talks did not progress beyond the initial stage after the Lucknow Super Giants reportedly demanded some of KKR’s most valuable players in return.
With Rishabh Pant set to leave Lucknow after a disappointing two-year stint, several franchises are understood to be keeping an eye on the situation. KKR was one of the most interested teams, but LSG’s asking price proved too high for the three-time IPL champions.
KKR abandons Rishabh Pant after heavy trade demand from LSG
According to a report by RevSportz, Kolkata Knight Riders made a serious attempt to acquire Rishabh Pant ahead of his reunion with Delhi Capitals.
However, the discussions quickly broke down after the Lucknow Supergiants demanded Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine or Varun Chakravarthy as part of the trade package. Due to the alleged demand, KKR had to take a difficult decision.
Rinku Singh has become one of the biggest stars of the franchise and is considered the face of the future of KKR. Sunil Narine remains one of the most impressive all-rounders in the IPL, while Varun Chakravarthy remains a key figure in their bowling attack.
Rather than break the core built over several seasons, KKR decided to go ahead with the deal and walked away from negotiations.
This decision makes sense considering the value those players bring to the franchise. While Pant is one of India’s biggest stars, sacrificing established match-winners like Rinku, Narine or Varun would have significantly weakened KKR’s balance in IPL 2027.
Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals informed
While KKR’s move collapsed, Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals is now expected to become the first big trade ahead of IPL 2027.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Delhi Capitals is ready to buy Rishabh Pant from Lucknow Supergiants in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav. Pant, who was bought by LSG for Rs 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, is expected to join DC at a revised salary of Rs 15 crore.
This step has been taken after difficult times in Lucknow. Pant spent two seasons with the franchise but struggled as both captain and batsman. Under his leadership, LSG won only 10 matches and lost 18. With the bat, he scored 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74, both below his career T20 standards.
His record at Delhi Capitals presents a completely different picture. Between 2021 and 2024, Pant led DC in 44 matches, winning 24 of them. During that time he scored 1205 runs at an average of 35.44 and a strike rate of around 144.
How was the performance of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026?
KKR suffered inconsistency in the IPL 2026 campaign and missed out on a place in the playoffs. The Kolkata-based franchise finished seventh on the points table with 13 points from 14 matches. They won six games, lost seven and drew one with no result, finishing the season with a net run rate of -0.147.
KKR’s campaign never really gained sustained momentum. They lost five of their first six matches before recovering strongly with wins over Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
However, crucial defeats against Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals ultimately proved costly. Their final league game ended in a heavy 40-run defeat to DC, effectively ending their playoff hopes.
