Ex-India Cricketer Slams Delhi Capitals Over Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav Trade Rumours

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has said that if the Delhi Capitals send Kuldeep Yadav to the Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for Rishabh Pant, it would be a big mistake, adding that DC shouldn’t panic and engage in player transfers after one bad season.

The proposed move has gathered significant momentum in recent days, with several reports suggesting that negotiations are now at an advanced stage. Both Pant and Kuldeep endured a subdued campaign, failing to produce their usual match-winning impact, while their respective teams also fell short of bagging playoff qualification.

According to reports, the deal would see Pant move to the Delhi Capitals, while Kuldeep would head to the Lucknow Super Giants.

“If Delhi send Kuldeep to LSG, there

can’t be a bigger mistake than this. Forget this one year. You don’t judge a player in one year. Ganguly is also there. He always says not to judge someone who is playing for 10 years on the form of one season,” Kaif said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“If you panic at this time, which KKR did, Delhi picked Kuldeep and then see what he did except this one season. It will give you a clear picture,” Kaif said.

Kuldeep endured a mixed IPL season after spending much of India’s T20 World Cup campaign on the bench, but has remained an effective performer for Delhi Capitals since 2022, taking 72 wickets in 65 games at an economy rate of 8.24.

Pant’s stint with Lucknow Super Giants, meanwhile, lasted two seasons but produced underwhelming returns. As skipper, he managed 10 victories and 18 losses, alongside 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74.

Kaif doubled down on his defence of Kuldeep, arguing that the spinner has been scapegoated during tough phases despite his rare skill set. He stressed that the Delhi Capitals’ struggles this season stemmed from several problems across the team and cautioned against placing the burden of blame on any single cricketer.