T Natarajan returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad as Zeeshan Ansari moves to Delhi Capitals in IPL trade
Left-arm pacer T Natarajan has returned to Sunrisers Hyderabad while leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has been traded to Delhi Capitals in an IPL player exchange between the two franchises on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The move was confirmed ahead of the next phase of the IPL.
Natarajan rejoins SRH at a revised fee of Rs 5 crore after being bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, while Ansari moves to DC at his existing fee of Rs 40 lakh after representing SRH in 10 matches during the IPL 2026 season. SRH have brought back an experienced Indian pacer to bolster their death-bowling options, and DC have added another spin option to their attack.
Natarajan spent five seasons with SRH between 2020 and 2024 and established himself as a leading Indian left-arm seam bowler in the IPL, noted for executing yorkers and delivering under pressure. His prior spell with the Hyderabad franchise featured consistent contributions in the bowling unit.
According to the IPL, Natarajan’s most successful campaign for SRH came in 2024 when he claimed 19 wickets, the most by any SRH bowler that year, and played a key role in the team’s run to the final. Across 73 IPL matches he has taken 72 wickets, with best figures of 4/19.
The 35-year-old has also represented India in one Test and two One-Day Internationals, and his return reunites him with the franchise where he had some of his strongest IPL performances. At a revised fee of Rs 5 crore, SRH will expect him to contribute in crucial death-over situations.
Zeeshan Ansari, the 26-year-old leg-spinner, took three wickets on his IPL debut against Delhi Capitals and has collected six wickets in 10 IPL appearances to date. Joining DC at Rs 40 lakh, Ansari will aim to build on his early IPL record with his new franchise.
Ansari’s arrival comes after the trade of Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants, offering Delhi another spin option as they reshape their bowling resources. On paper, the exchange addresses different needs: SRH regain an experienced Indian pacer, particularly for the death overs, while DC add a young leg-spinner with prior IPL exposure.
The trade provides both franchises an opportunity to adjust their bowling combinations ahead of the next phase of the IPL.
