Natarajan returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad in trade, Zeeshan Ansari moves to Delhi Capitals
Pacer T Natarajan goes back to Sunrisers Hyderabad from Delhi Capitals in exchange for spinner Zeeshan Ansari, the IPL confirmed on Wednesday.
Another trade has taken place ahead of the 2027 season of the Indian Premier League. Delhi Capitals (DC) pace bowler T Natarajan has returned to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In exchange, Hyderabad spinner Zeeshan Ansari has moved to Delhi Capitals. The IPL officially confirmed the trade on Wednesday.
The mini auction for the 2027 season is to be held in December. Before that, all teams will soon release their lists of retained and released players. Player trade deals are under way ahead of the auction, and this latest deal is part of that process.
Natarajan did not get many opportunities to play for Delhi in the last two IPL seasons. He is now back with his old franchise, SRH. His arrival gives Hyderabad a strong fast-bowling option. This is Delhi's second trade ahead of IPL 2027. Earlier, the franchise had acquired Rishabh Pant from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav.
Before IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals had spent Rs 10.75 crore to sign Natarajan. But the investment did not work out as the team had hoped. Injuries kept Natarajan out for long periods and he could not play. He is now returning to Sunrisers Hyderabad for about half that price, Rs 5 crore. The deal gives Natarajan a fresh start with his old team and helps SRH strengthen their pace bowling. Another figure given for the amount paid for Natarajan is Rs 5.75 crore.
After Kuldeep Yadav's departure, Delhi Capitals needed a good spin bowler. The franchise has therefore added Zeeshan Ansari to the squad. He is counted among the most talented spinners in the IPL. Ansari has joined the Delhi side at a base price of Rs 40 lakh.
Natarajan, 35, played a total of 12 matches for Delhi Capitals over two IPL seasons and took only five wickets. Because of poor performance and injury problems, the franchise decided to send him to another team. Earlier, Natarajan played five seasons for Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2020 and 2024. He took 65 wickets in 55 matches for SRH. IPL 2024 was his most successful season, in which he took 19 wickets.
Natarajan made his IPL debut in 2017 for Punjab Kings. He has so far played 73 matches and taken 72 wickets in 72 innings. His economy rate over this period has been 9.21.
