A major IPL player swap has already sparked debate ahead of the 2027 season, but Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Avesh Khan believes both franchises have emerged stronger from the deal. Speaking to ANI, Avesh backed Lucknow’s decision to acquire Kuldeep Yadav while Rishabh Pant returned to Delhi Capitals, describing the move as one that addresses the needs of both teams as they prepare for the next campaign.
Avesh backs the blockbuster trade
The exchange ranks among the biggest player moves ahead of the new IPL season, with Pant returning to the franchise where he began his IPL career after an unsuccessful spell with Lucknow. The wicketkeeper-batter moves to Delhi Capitals on a salary of Rs 15 crore (approx. US$1.6 million), while Kuldeep joins Lucknow on Rs 13.50 crore (approx. US$1.4 million). Pant had previously been retained by Lucknow on Rs 27 crore (approx. US$2.9 million), meaning his return to Delhi comes with a substantial pay reduction.
Discussing the move, Avesh Khan told ANI, “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.”
Kuldeep’s arrival also gives Lucknow an experienced left-arm wrist-spinner whose style of bowling could prove well suited to the larger boundaries at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, while Delhi regain a player who spent the early years of his IPL career with the franchise.
Both players look to bounce back
The trade follows a season in which neither player produced their usual standards. Kuldeep claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches, averaging just over 38 while conceding 10.29 runs per over, a notable increase from his economy rate of 7.07 in the previous season.
Pant, meanwhile, scored 312 runs in 13 innings at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05, registering a single half-century during the campaign. Lucknow finished bottom of the IPL 2026 standings, while Delhi narrowly missed the playoffs after winning seven of their 14 league matches.
India’s pace resources continue to grow
Away from the IPL trade, Avesh also highlighted the increasing strength of India’s fast-bowling talent, pointing to the competitiveness of domestic cricket and the IPL as key drivers behind the country’s expanding pool of pace options.
Avesh said, “Yes, it is among the best. The IPL and domestic cricket have become so competitive that we’re seeing many talented fast bowlers emerge, like Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav, along with established stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.”
India’s pace attack has continued to expand in recent years, with emerging bowlers joining an established group that includes Bumrah, Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana across the international formats.
Fitness remains a priority
Avesh also outlined the habits he believes are essential for sustaining a long career as a fast bowler, stressing that physical preparation extends well beyond time spent on the training ground.
Explaining his approach, he added, “Fitness, diet, and sleep are crucial. A fast bowler needs to eat well, sleep on time, and focus on their training and workload management. Understanding your body and being smart about your training can help increase longevity and minimise injuries.”
Focus shifts to the domestic season
Avesh is currently representing Chambal Ghariyals in the Madhya Pradesh League T20, where the side reached the semi-finals after an unbeaten run through the competition.
Looking ahead to the next stage of his season, he concluded, “Ranji Trophy is next. I’ll focus on my fitness and bowling to prepare for it and help Madhya Pradesh win the title.”
The fast bowler was part of Madhya Pradesh’s maiden Ranji Trophy-winning campaign in the 2021-22 season and will now turn his attention to helping the state challenge for another domestic title before preparations begin for IPL 2027.
