IPL business: Natarajan takes pay cut to return to SRH, Zeeshan Ansari moves to DC

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

Natarajan will join the 2016 IPL champions for a revised fee of Rs 5 crore after being snapped up by DC for Rs 10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 player auction. Meanwhile, Ansari moves to DC for 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 bolster their death-bowling department, while DC added another spin option to their bowling attack.

NATARAJAN RETURNS TO SRH

Natarajan represented SRH for five seasons between 2020 and 2024 and established himself as one of India’s most effective left-seam bowlers in the IPL. His ability to execute yorkers and deliver under pressure has 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). He took 72 wickets in 73 IPL matches 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 be hoping the experienced left-arm paceman will boost their bowling attack and contribute during the crucial death overs.

ANSARI ADDS DEPTH OF SPIN

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 with a three-wicket haul on debut against Delhi Capitals. He has taken six wickets in 10 IPL appearances and will be looking to build on that record with his new franchise.

Ansari’s arrival could be particularly significant for DC after Kuldeep Yadav trade to Lucknow Super Giants. With Kuldeep no longer part of their set-up, Ansari offers the franchise another spin-bowling option as it looks to rebuild its attack. He joins for his existing fee of 40 lakh rupees, giving DC a relatively cheap addition with the potential to strengthen their spin department.

A BUSINESS THAT USES BOTH

On paper, the exchange addresses different requirements for the two franchises. SRH will once again get an experienced Indian pacer with a proven IPL record, especially in the death overs, while DC will get 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 bolster its pace attack. For DC, Ansari will have an opportunity to build on his early IPL performances and establish himself in the new setup.

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

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