T Natarajan is back with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Zeeshan Ansari is moving to Delhi Capitals after the two franchises completed a player trade ahead of IPL 2027 on October 14, 2026.
The Indian Premier League confirmed the deal in a media advisory dated October 14. Delhi Capitals also described it as a completed trade on the same day. Cricbuzz’s report also covered Natarajan’s return and Ansari’s move in the other direction.
In This IPL Update
The Trade Terms
Delhi bought Natarajan for ₹10.75 crore at the 2025 player auction. His new fee at SRH is ₹5 crore. Ansari moves to Delhi at his existing fee of ₹40 lakh, according to the IPL announcement.
That makes this more than a change of shirts. Natarajan returns to the team where he built his strongest IPL record, while Delhi add a young leg-spinner to their bowling group.
The trade is also separate from the retention process. It is a confirmed player move, not a full IPL 2027 retained-players list. The reported November 15 submission deadline remains a different step for franchises. Fans can track the wider timeline in our IPL 2027 retained players list guide.
Why Natarajan Matters To SRH
Natarajan spent five seasons with Sunrisers from 2020 to 2024. His best campaign came in 2024, when he took 19 wickets and led SRH’s bowling attack by that measure. He also played a key role in the team’s run to the final.
The left-arm seamer gives SRH an experienced Indian option for the difficult overs at the end of an innings. His yorkers and changes of pace were central to his earlier success, although his return should not be treated as a guarantee of selection or future results.
Cricbuzz reported that Natarajan has taken 72 wickets in 73 IPL matches. The IPL’s own advisory highlighted his 19-wicket 2024 season and his previous five-season spell with SRH. Those are the confirmed parts of the player’s record relevant to this move.
What Delhi Get In Ansari
Ansari made his IPL debut for SRH and took three wickets against Delhi in that first appearance. The IPL said he played 10 matches for SRH in IPL 2025 and finished with six wickets. He did not play a game for the franchise in IPL 2026, according to the official advisory.
Delhi’s official announcement described the move as a squad adjustment. It said Natarajan played 12 matches for the Delhi franchise across the last two seasons and took five wickets. Ansari now gives DC another leg-spin option as the team prepares for IPL 2027.
The trade does not by itself reveal Delhi’s final bowling combination. It only confirms that Ansari has replaced Natarajan in the two-team exchange.
Announcement, Not Earlier Speculation
Before the official notices, a player move could only be described as a report or possibility. That changed on October 14. The IPL media advisory and Delhi Capitals’ franchise announcement both use clear completion language.
Cricbuzz’s report remains important for the news trail and should be credited as the exclusive report. The final confirmation comes from the IPL and Delhi Capitals.
The deal arrives while teams shape their squads for a reported December mini-auction in Goa. The exact auction date was not established by the sources checked for this story. Our IPL 2027 auction date and venue guide tracks that distinction.
What The Swap Means
For SRH, the calculation is clear: bring back a bowler who was central to the 2024 final run and do so at a revised ₹5 crore fee. For DC, the move changes the balance of the attack and adds a leg-spinner at ₹40 lakh.
The real sporting verdict will come in IPL 2027. For now, the facts are settled: Natarajan returns to SRH, Ansari joins DC, and both franchises have confirmed the trade.
FAQs
Is The Natarajan-Ansari Trade Confirmed?
Yes. The IPL issued a media advisory on October 14, 2026, and Delhi Capitals published its own completed-trade announcement on the same date.
What Is Natarajan’S New IPL Fee?
Natarajan will join SRH at a revised fee of ₹5 crore. DC had acquired him for ₹10.75 crore at the 2025 auction.
What Is Zeeshan Ansari’S Fee At DC?
Ansari moves to Delhi at his existing fee of ₹40 lakh.
Does This Confirm The Full IPL 2027 Retained List?
No. This is a confirmed trade. It does not amount to a league-wide retained or released players list.
Source Names: Indian Premier League; Delhi Capitals; Cricbuzz; ESPNcricinfo.
