T Natarajan returns to SRH in swap that sends Zeeshan Ansari to Delhi Capitals

Sunrisers Hyderabad have re-acquired left-arm pacer T Natarajan and transferred Zeeshan Ansari to Delhi Capitals in a swap deal ahead of the IPL 2027 trade window, the move reported on October 14, 2026, in the lead-up to the tournament in India.

Franchise preparations for IPL 2027 are underway, with the auction set to be held in Goa in December 2026 as the final mini auction of the 2023-27 cycle. Teams must finalise retention and trade plans as they approach the November and December deadlines for the upcoming season.

Delhi Capitals recently completed another roster change after acquiring Rishabh Pant (INR 15 crore) from Lucknow Super Giants in place of Kuldeep Yadav (INR 13.5 crore). Following Kuldeep’s departure, DC sought a wrist-spinner and secured 26-year-old Zeeshan Ansari from Sunrisers Hyderabad for a fee of ₹40 lakh as part of the swap.

SRH’s portion of the swap brings back T Natarajan, who previously represented Sunrisers between 2020 and 2024. Natarajan played 55 matches for SRH, taking 65 wickets at an economy rate of 8.82, and will return to the franchise for IPL 2027 after a stint at Delhi Capitals.

Financial terms of the moves were specified: Delhi Capitals had earlier signed Natarajan for INR 10.75 crore, while his fee with Sunrisers Hyderabad under the new arrangement is set at ₹5 crore. The trade therefore involves a revision of Natarajan’s contract compared with his prior DC signing.

Zeeshan Ansari impressed during his debut campaign with SRH, taking three wickets in his first IPL appearance and finishing with six wickets in IPL 2025. The transfer to Delhi Capitals is presented as an addition to their spin resources.

The IPL 2027 auction is likely to take place in mid-December 2026 in Goa; the deadline to submit retention lists is November 15, 2026, and the trade window is expected to close one week before the auction.