T Natarajan Returns to SRH, Zeeshan Ansari Joins Delhi Capitals in IPL 2027 Trade

T Natarajan has returned to Sunrisers Hyderabad from Delhi Capitals in an IPL 2027 player trade, while leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has moved in the opposite direction. Natarajan rejoins SRH at a revised contract of ₹5 crore, while Ansari joins DC at his existing ₹40 lakh salary.

The trade, announced on October 14, 2026, brings Natarajan back to the franchise he represented between 2020 and 2024. For Delhi Capitals, Ansari’s arrival adds a domestic wrist-spin option after the earlier departure of Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants.

Unlike several recent IPL trade rumours, this is a completed player exchange, with both franchises reshaping their bowling departments before the IPL 2027 mini auction.

Natarajan and Zeeshan Ansari IPL 2027 Trade Details

The two players have moved between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals at different contract values.

Natarajan’s revised salary represents a ₹5.75 crore reduction from the amount Delhi paid at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

That is a significant change in his contract valuation. However, the salary difference should not be confused with a separate cash payment between the franchises.

The exchange has been reported by The Indian Express, with both players moving before the next auction.

The transfer is also part of the developing IPL 2027 trade window, which has already produced several important squad changes.

Why Sunrisers Hyderabad Have Brought Back T Natarajan

Natarajan gives SRH an experienced Indian left-arm fast bowler who already understands the franchise’s environment.

His strongest period with Hyderabad came during IPL 2024, when he took 19 wickets in 14 matches, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker.

He played an important role in SRH’s run to the final that season, providing wicket-taking options with the new ball and at the death.

His return offers Hyderabad a familiar option for the final overs, particularly because his yorkers and variations have been important parts of his bowling throughout his IPL career.

The move also means SRH can use an Indian specialist pacer without occupying an overseas position in the playing XI.

For the latest additions and releases, see the Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2027 team updates.

Natarajan’s 2026 Numbers Explain the Reduced Contract

Natarajan’s return is interesting because his recent IPL numbers differ considerably from his successful 2024 campaign.

Natarajan managed only five wickets in 10 matches for Delhi Capitals during IPL 2026, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.18.

His reduced ₹5 crore contract therefore reflects a different valuation from the ₹10.75 crore Delhi invested in 2025.

For SRH, the trade is an opportunity to bring back a proven former player at a lower salary. The challenge will be helping him recover the effectiveness that made him an important part of their 2024 bowling attack.

Why Delhi Capitals Have Signed Zeeshan Ansari

Delhi’s decision to acquire Zeeshan Ansari becomes more meaningful when viewed alongside their previous IPL 2027 trade activity.

In June 2026, Delhi Capitals traded Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants in the deal that brought Rishabh Pant back to DC.

The move was confirmed in the official Delhi Capitals announcement.

That departure removed an established Indian wrist-spinner from Delhi’s bowling attack.

Ansari does not offer an identical replacement. Kuldeep bowls left-arm wrist spin, while Ansari is a right-arm leg-spinner who relies on legbreaks and variations.

However, his arrival gives Delhi another attacking spin option alongside Axar Patel and Vipraj Nigam.

It also gives the franchise a relatively inexpensive Indian bowler who can compete for a position without affecting its overseas combination.

Zeeshan Ansari’s IPL Record and Bowling Strengths

Ansari made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals on March 30, 2025.

He immediately made an impression by taking 3 wickets for 42 runs, dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul.

His overall IPL record currently stands at:

Those figures show that Ansari remains a developing IPL bowler rather than an established replacement for Kuldeep.

His value for Delhi lies in adding a different spin option at a relatively low contract cost.

The Delhi Capitals IPL 2027 team now has another bowling choice as new head coach Sourav Ganguly prepares his squad for the season.

Which Franchise Benefits More From the Trade?

The two franchises have addressed different requirements.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have prioritised an experienced Indian fast bowler capable of operating in the final overs. Delhi Capitals have added an affordable wrist-spinner after losing Kuldeep Yadav.

For SRH, the main question is whether Natarajan can improve on his IPL 2026 performance.

For DC, the challenge is helping Ansari develop into a consistent middle-overs option.

The financial difference is also important. Natarajan joins Hyderabad at ₹5 crore, while Ansari remains on ₹40 lakh.

However, contract values alone cannot determine which franchise benefits more. Their actual contributions will depend on selection, match conditions and how effectively their teams use them.

How the Trade Changes IPL 2027 Auction Plans

Both franchises now have greater clarity about specific positions before the November 15 retention deadline.

SRH have added an Indian left-arm pacer, potentially reducing their need to pursue another player with the same bowling profile.

Delhi have gained a wrist-spin option but must still assess their fast bowling depth after Natarajan’s departure.

Both teams can now evaluate remaining requirements ahead of the IPL 2027 auction in December.

The IPL 2027 squads will continue changing as franchises complete further trades and submit their retention lists.

Natarajan and Ansari’s IPL 2027 Teams Confirmed

As of October 14, 2026, T Natarajan is a Sunrisers Hyderabad player, while Zeeshan Ansari has joined Delhi Capitals. Their reported contract values are ₹5 crore and ₹40 lakh respectively.

The exchange gives SRH a familiar death-bowling option and Delhi a new Indian leg-spinner following Kuldeep Yadav’s departure.

Both players have clear opportunities at their new franchises, but their eventual roles will depend on the final squad combinations for IPL 2027.