Chennai Super Kings have finalised a trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad, acquiring the services of England’s Liam Livingstone and Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards. In exchange, CSK will part ways with Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis.
Livingstone, a prominent figure in T20 cricket, was initially secured by SRH for INR 13 crore at the last IPL auction. However, he will now bolster CSK’s line-up for a reduced fee of INR 6 crore. Livingstone is well-known for his prowess as a batsman and his utility with both offspin and legspin, having amassed 8,595 runs and taken 171 wickets in 370 matches. Recently, he competed in the European T20 Premier League for Glasgow Cosmic, proving pivotal with 219 runs in ten matches.
Jack Edwards joins CSK at his existing price of INR 3 crore. Edwards missed the last IPL season due to a foot injury but made impressive debuts in ODI and T20I formats for Australia this year. Notably, he claimed a five-wicket haul against South Africa in his second ODI appearance. His recent performances for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League and his experience in India make him a valuable addition.
Ellis, now moving to SRH, has a history with Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred, a tournament in England. Having missed significant playtime at CSK due to injury, he switches sides with hopes of a stronger season.
Khaleel Ahmed, returning to familiar territory at SRH, previously played for them between 2018 and 2021. Despite an injury-plagued stint at CSK, he looks to form a formidable partnership with fellow left-arm pacer T Natarajan, who was also recently traded into SRH.
As a result of these changes, CSK will rely on players like Mukesh Choudhary and Gurjapneet Singh to manage bowling strategies, especially in the crucial early overs. Choudhary, known for his swing, alongside Singh, who is gaining attention with India A, will step into prominent roles.
Ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, teams have until November 17 to submit their retention lists, a deadline shift that accommodates scheduling conflicts with international cricket. The auction day itself is slated for December 16 in Goa.
