Left-arm pacer T Natarajan has returned to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has moved to Delhi Capitals (DC) in a player trade between the two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises on Wednesday.

Natarajan will join the 2016 IPL champions at a revised fee of Rs 5 crore after being acquired by DC for Rs 10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 player auction. Ansari, meanwhile, moves to DC at his existing fee of Rs 40 lakh after representing SRH in 10 matches during the IPL 2026 season.

The trade could benefit both franchises, with SRH bringing back an experienced Indian pacer to strengthen their death-bowling department, while DC add another spin option to their bowling attack.

NATARAJAN RETURNS TO SRH

Natarajan represented SRH for five seasons between 2020 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the IPL's most effective Indian left-arm seam bowlers. His ability to execute yorkers and deliver under pressure made him an important part of the Hyderabad-based franchise's bowling attack.

According to the IPL, Natarajan enjoyed his most successful season in 2024, claiming 19 wickets, the most by any SRH bowler that year, and playing a key role in the team's run to the final.

The 35-year-old has also represented India in one Test and two One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Across 73 IPL matches, he has claimed 72 wickets, with best figures of 4/19.

His return reunites him with the franchise where he enjoyed some of his most successful IPL campaigns. At a revised fee of Rs 5 crore, SRH will hope the experienced left-arm pacer can strengthen their bowling attack and contribute during the crucial death overs.

ANSARI ADDS SPIN DEPTH

Ansari moves to DC after featuring in 10 matches for SRH during IPL 2026. The 26-year-old leg-spinner made an impressive start to his IPL career, claiming three wickets on debut against Delhi Capitals. He has taken six wickets in 10 IPL appearances and will look to build on that record with his new franchise.

Ansari's arrival could be particularly significant for DC following the trade of Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants. With Kuldeep no longer part of their setup, Ansari offers the franchise another spin-bowling option as it looks to reshape its attack. He joins at his existing fee of Rs 40 lakh, giving DC a relatively low-cost addition with the potential to strengthen their spin department.

A TRADE THAT BENEFITS BOTH

On paper, the exchange addresses different requirements for the two franchises. SRH regain an experienced Indian pacer with a proven IPL record, particularly in the death overs, while DC acquire a young leg-spinner who has already gained valuable experience at the highest level.

Natarajan's experience and past performances for SRH could prove valuable as the franchise looks to strengthen its pace attack. For DC, Ansari will have an opportunity to build on his early IPL performances and establish himself in a new setup.

The trade gives both teams an opportunity to adjust their bowling combinations ahead of the next phase of the IPL.

- Ends