T Natarajan will return to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after Delhi Capitals traded the left-arm pacer for leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. The exchange gives both franchises an opportunity to reshape their bowling attacks before the upcoming auction.
Under the deal announced on October 14, Natarajan will join SRH at a revised fee of ₹5 crore, while Ansari moves to Delhi Capitals at his existing contract value of ₹40 lakh. Delhi had acquired Natarajan for ₹10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.
T Natarajan's IPL 2026 Performance
Natarajan's return to Hyderabad comes after a difficult campaign with Delhi Capitals. The Tamil Nadu left-arm seamer claimed five wickets in IPL 2026, conceding 356 runs across 31.5 overs. His economy rate was
11.18, with his best figures being 3/29.
The numbers represent a challenging season for a bowler known for his yorkers and ability to operate during the death overs. However, Natarajan has previously demonstrated his value in the competition, particularly during his stint with SRH between 2020 and 2024.
His most successful IPL campaign came in 2024, when he took 19 wickets and finished as Hyderabad's leading wicket-taker. He played an important role in the franchise's run to the final that season.
The move offers SRH an opportunity to reunite with a bowler familiar with their setup and potentially strengthen their pace options for IPL 2027.
Zeeshan Ansari Moves To Delhi Capitals
Ansari, meanwhile, will look to establish himself at Delhi Capitals after a limited opportunity with Hyderabad. The leg-spinner made his IPL debut in 2025 and picked up six wickets in 10 appearances, including three wickets against Delhi Capitals on debut.
Importantly, Ansari did not feature in IPL 2026, making his previous season's figures the relevant benchmark for assessing his IPL experience.
At 26, the Uttar Pradesh spinner offers Delhi another option in the middle overs. His ability to provide a different angle to the attack could complement the franchise's existing bowling resources.
What The Trade Means For Both Teams
For SRH, Natarajan's return provides experience and left-arm pace, while Delhi gain a younger spin option at a substantially lower contract value.
The exchange reflects different priorities: Hyderabad are banking on Natarajan's proven record with the franchise, while Delhi are investing in Ansari's potential as they prepare for the next IPL season.
