Sunrisers Hyderabad have brought left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan back into their squad ahead of IPL 2027 after completing a player trade with Delhi Capitals. As part of the deal, leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari will move from Hyderabad to join the Capitals.
Delhi Capitals had signed Natarajan for INR 10.75 crore at the 2025 IPL auction. However, the fast bowler managed only five wickets in 12 appearances across two seasons with the franchise.
Natarajan will now return to Sunrisers Hyderabad on a revised fee of INR 5 crore. Ansari, meanwhile, will move to Delhi Capitals while retaining his existing contract value of INR 40 lakh.
T Natarajan Returns to Sunrisers Hyderabad
Natarajan previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2020 and 2024, establishing himself as an important part of their bowling attack.
His most successful IPL campaign came in 2024, when he claimed 19 wickets and finished as SRH’s leading wicket-taker. His performances played a significant role in helping Hyderabad reach the IPL final that season.
Across his IPL career, Natarajan has played 73 matches, taking 72 wickets at an average of 32.97 and an economy rate of 9.21. His ability to deliver accurate yorkers and execute his plans during the death overs has made him a valuable option in the T20 format.
The left-arm pacer’s IPL journey began in 2017 with the Punjab franchise. Ahead of the 2018 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 40 lakh. However, an injury prevented him from playing that year, and he did not feature in the following season despite being retained by the franchise.
SRH brought Natarajan back into their plans ahead of IPL 2022, acquiring him for INR 4 crore. He subsequently developed into a key member of their bowling unit, with his 2024 performances highlighting his importance to the team.
His return gives Hyderabad another experienced pace option as they prepare for the 2027 campaign.
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Zeeshan Ansari Moves to Delhi Capitals
Zeeshan Ansari will begin a new chapter in his IPL career after moving to Delhi Capitals in the trade involving Natarajan.
The 26-year-old leg-spinner made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025 and appeared in 10 matches during his first season. He made an immediate impression on debut against Delhi Capitals, claiming three wickets in the match.
Ansari finished the 2025 edition with six wickets, giving SRH a promising spin option. Hyderabad retained him ahead of IPL 2026, but he did not play a match during that season.
The move to Delhi Capitals offers Ansari an opportunity to compete for a place in a different squad and continue developing his T20 career.
What the Trade Means for Both Teams
The exchange gives Sunrisers Hyderabad an opportunity to reunite with a bowler who enjoyed considerable success with the franchise, while Delhi Capitals add a leg-spinner who has already shown his ability to take wickets in the IPL.
Natarajan’s previous experience with SRH and his strong 2024 season could prove valuable as Hyderabad plan their bowling resources for IPL 2027. For Delhi, Ansari’s arrival adds another spin option to their squad.
Both players will be looking to make the most of the change as their respective teams prepare for the next IPL season.
