Reports indicate Kuldeep will be traded to LSG by DC in lieu of Rishabh Pant.
Former India cricketer and member of Delhi Capitals (DC) coaching staff Mohammad Kaif has shared his thoughts on the rumored blockbuster IPL trade between DC and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). DC is rumored to trade Kuldeep Yadav to LSG to get back Rishabh Pant to their fold.
Recent days have seen a considerable increase in support for the proposed action, and a number of stories suggest that talks are well advanced. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif cautioned the Delhi Capitals against making a snap choice amid mounting rumors over Kuldeep's future, arguing that the left-arm wrist-spinner's long-term worth greatly exceeds a single lackluster season.
"If Delhi sends Kuldeep to LSG, there cannot be a bigger mistake than this. Forget this one year. You do not judge a player in one year. Ganguly is also there. He always says not to judge someone who has been playing for ten years on the basis of one season. If you panic at this time, which KKR did, Delhi picked Kuldeep and then saw what he did, except for this one season. It will give you a clear picture," he said on his YouTube channel.
Kuldeep Yadav had spent the majority of the T20 World Cup 2026 on the bench and then had a lukewarm IPL 2026 season. However, since IPL 2022 for DC, Kuldeep has 72 wickets in 65 matches at an economy rate of 8.24.
On the other hand, Pant, who was bought by LSG for INR 27 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, didn’t have a very good time as a batter or leader. He managed 10 wins and 18 losses, while scoring 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74.
Kaif reiterated his defense of Kuldeep, claiming that despite having a unique skill set, the spinner has all too frequently been used as a scapegoat during trying times.
"If Delhi has done this trade, no one supports Kuldeep when he is going through a bad time. Neither did KKR, nor did the Indian team. In the Indian team as well, he is the first to be dropped. It is difficult to find a bowler with his skill. You need to back the player. Delhi did not lose because of Kuldeep. There were a lot of errors, and one of the factors was Kuldeep. If you put the blame on one player and put him out, it will be the biggest mistake if they let him go," Kaif added.