IPL 2027: T Natarajan Returns to SRH; DC Sign Zeeshan Ansari
T Natarajan returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad as DC acquires spinner Zeeshan Ansari in the first major player trade ahead of IPL 2027.
The landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season has shifted with the announcement of the first major player trade between two prominent franchises. In a move that brings a veteran specialist back to his roots, left-arm pacer T Natarajan is returning to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from the Delhi Capitals (DC). As part of this strategic swap, DC has secured leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari to bolster their bowling attack.
Natarajan’s Homecoming: A Return to Form
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, the return of Natarajan marks a significant reinforcement of their bowling unit. The left-arm seamer, who previously represented SRH for five seasons between 2020 and 2024, has become synonymous with the franchise's success. His 2024 campaign was particularly standout, where he claimed 19 wickets—the highest tally for any SRH bowler that season—playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to the IPL final.
Statistically, Natarajan has long been a pillar for SRH. Over his career spanning 73 IPL matches for SRH, DC, and Punjab Kings, he has claimed 72 wickets. Specifically for the Hyderabad franchise, he has taken 65 wickets in 55 matches, cementing his position as the team's third-highest wicket-taker of all time, trailing only Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan.
The Financials of the Trade
The trade comes after a challenging period for the pacer with the Delhi Capitals. Despite being acquired by DC for ₹10.75 crore during the IPL 2025 Auction, Natarajan struggled to find consistency in the capital's colors. He did not feature in a single match during the 2025 season and managed only five wickets in 10 matches this year, with an economy rate of 11.18. Under the terms of this new deal, Natarajan rejoins SRH at a revised fee of ₹5 crore.
DC Bolsters Spin Attack with Zeeshan Ansari
While SRH regains a seasoned pacer, Delhi Capitals have focused on adding variety to their spin department. The acquisition of 26-year-old leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari provides DC with a fresh option in the middle overs. Ansari, who joins DC at his existing fee of ₹40 lakh, has shown flashes of brilliance during his short IPL tenure with SRH.
Ansari made an immediate impact in his debut match during the 2025 season, taking three wickets against DC—the very team he now represents. With six wickets in 10 IPL appearances, the leg-spinner is expected to provide much-needed depth to the DC bowling roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.