A familiar bowling option is returning to Hyderabad as Sunrisers Hyderabad reshape their squad ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise has reacquired left-arm fast bowler T. Natarajan from Delhi Capitals through a player trade, while Delhi have secured leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari in the exchange. The move brings back a bowler whose earlier spell with Sunrisers included one of the strongest seasons of his IPL career.
The trade was officially announced on October 14, 2026. Natarajan will join Sunrisers at a revised fee of ₹5 crore, after Delhi bought him for ₹10.75 crore at the 2025 player auction. Ansari moves to Delhi at his existing fee of ₹40 lakh. The financial difference is notable, but the cricketing logic behind the exchange may be more important than the headline figures.
Natarajan represented Sunrisers for five seasons, from 2020 through 2024, and developed a reputation as an Indian left-arm seamer capable of bowling yorkers and other variations under pressure. His standout campaign came in 2024, when he claimed 19 wickets, finishing as Sunrisers’ leading wicket-taker for the season and helping the side reach the IPL final. That record offers a clear explanation for why the Hyderabad franchise would consider bringing him back.
His particular value lies in the difficult overs. In T20 cricket, the final stages of an innings often determine whether a bowling side can defend a competitive total or allow a match to slip away. A bowler who can consistently execute yorkers, slower deliveries and cutters gives the captain more options when batters are looking to accelerate. Natarajan’s previous success with Sunrisers makes him a potentially useful addition to their pace resources.
However, his return should not be treated as a guarantee of the same results. Form, fitness, workload and match conditions can all influence a fast bowler’s effectiveness, particularly in a tournament as demanding as the IPL. Sunrisers will need to manage his role carefully and assess how he fits into their wider bowling combination for the coming season.
For Delhi Capitals, the deal creates room to strengthen their spin department. Zeeshan Ansari made an encouraging start to his IPL career with Sunrisers, taking three wickets on debut against Delhi and finishing his first season with six wickets in 10 appearances. The leg-spinner now gets an opportunity to develop in a different setup, where his role will depend on team balance, match-ups and the conditions at individual venues.
The exchange reflects the practical nature of IPL squad planning. A franchise may value an experienced specialist, while another sees greater potential in adding a different bowling option at a lower existing contract value. Neither side can judge the trade solely by the players’ past statistics; their future contribution will matter most.
For Sunrisers supporters, Natarajan’s return brings back a familiar name associated with the team’s 2024 final run. The next challenge is turning that history into present-day performance. As preparations for IPL 2027 continue, the trade gives both franchises a chance to refine their bowling attacks before the season begins.
