Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have strengthened their bowling attack ahead of IPL 2027 by bringing back left-arm pacer T Natarajan through a player trade with Delhi Capitals. In the deal, leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari will move to Delhi, marking a change of teams for both players before the upcoming season.
Natarajan, who previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2020 and 2024, will rejoin the franchise at a revised fee of ₹5 crore. Delhi Capitals had acquired the Tamil Nadu fast bowler for ₹10.75 crore at the 2025 IPL auction. However, he managed just five wickets in 12 appearances across two seasons with the Capitals.
Ansari, meanwhile, will move to Delhi Capitals while retaining his existing contract fee of ₹40 lakh.
Natarajan Returns to Familiar Territory
Natarajan’s return could provide Sunrisers Hyderabad with valuable experience and a proven left-arm bowling option. His previous stint with the franchise included one of the most successful seasons of his IPL career in 2024, when he claimed 19 wickets to finish as SRH’s leading wicket-taker.
His performances played an important role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s journey to the IPL final that year. Known for his yorkers and ability to bowl at the death, Natarajan had established himself as a key member of the team’s bowling unit during his earlier spell.
Across his IPL career, the pacer has played 73 matches and taken 72 wickets at an average of 32.97 and an economy rate of 9.21.
Natarajan began his IPL journey with the Punjab franchise in 2017. Ahead of the 2018 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him for ₹40 lakh. However, an injury prevented him from playing that season, and he did not feature in the following edition despite being retained.
SRH brought him back ahead of IPL 2022, purchasing him for ₹4 crore. He subsequently became an important part of the team’s bowling plans, particularly in high-pressure situations.
His return ahead of IPL 2027 gives Sunrisers an opportunity to reunite with a bowler who has already demonstrated his ability to deliver for the franchise.
Zeeshan Ansari Joins Delhi Capitals
The trade also provides Delhi Capitals with a new spin-bowling option in Zeeshan Ansari. The 26-year-old Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025 and quickly attracted attention with an impressive performance against Delhi Capitals, claiming three wickets in the match.
Ansari featured in 10 matches during his debut season and finished the campaign with six wickets. His ability to make an immediate impact suggested potential, although he did not get an opportunity to play during IPL 2026 despite being retained by Sunrisers.
Moving to Delhi could offer the spinner a fresh opportunity to establish himself in the playing XI and contribute more consistently. His performances in domestic cricket and his previous IPL experience will be important as he looks to secure a regular role.
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What the Trade Means for IPL 2027
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, bringing Natarajan back is a move that prioritises familiarity and experience. His previous success with the team, especially during the 2024 campaign, makes him a potentially valuable addition to the bowling attack.
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have added a young leg-spinner while moving on from a fast bowler whose recent returns did not match his original auction price.
With IPL 2027 approaching, both franchises will be looking to make the most of their revised squads. Natarajan will aim to rediscover his best form in familiar surroundings, while Ansari will look to make the most of his fresh start with Delhi Capitals.