T. Natarajan Returns to SRH, Zeeshan Ansari Moves to DC in Player Trade

T. Natarajan is set to return to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an inter-franchise player trade with Delhi Capitals (DC), which sees left-arm spinner Zeeshan Ansari heading the other way. Natarajan, who had been retained by DC for INR 10.75 crore ahead of IPL 2027, will move back to SRH at a revised fee of INR 5 crore. This represents a notable reduction from the amount DC originally paid for him at the IPL 2025 Player Auction.

As part of the same deal, Ansari, who was retained by SRH for IPL 2026, transfers to DC at his retention fee of INR 40 lakh. The trade reunites Natarajan with the franchise he represented for five seasons, from 2020 to 2024. During this period, he established himself as one of SRH's most dependable bowling options, particularly effective in both the powerplay and at the death.

Natarajan's standout campaign with SRH came in IPL 2024, when he claimed 19 wickets, marking the highest tally by any SRH bowler during that edition. His impressive form prompted DC to secure him for INR 10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 Player Auction, a significant investment. DC subsequently retained him at this figure before the two sides agreed on the current trade arrangement.

Zeeshan Ansari made an emphatic IPL debut on March 30, 2025, picking up three wickets against DC, the very franchise he is now set to join. He went on to feature in 10 matches for SRH during the 2025 season, accumulating a total of six wickets and providing a left-arm spin option. For SRH, reacquiring a bowler of Natarajan's proven record at a lower cost is a strategic gain for their pace department, while Ansari represents a cost-efficient addition for DC to broaden their spin-bowling options.

What to watch: How Natarajan's return impacts SRH's bowling attack and Ansari's role at DC.

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