NEW DELHI, November 6:
Chennai Super Kings have reshaped their squad ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, securing England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards in a four-player trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In exchange, CSK have released Indian left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis to the Hyderabad franchise, in a deal that reflects both teams’ efforts to address specific squad requirements ahead of the next season.
Livingstone will join the five-time champions for ₹6 crore, a substantial reduction from his existing ₹13 crore salary at SRH. Edwards will move at his existing fee of ₹3 crore. Khaleel and Ellis will retain their respective contracts of ₹4.8 crore and ₹2 crore with their new franchise.
The deal marks the first major squad transaction under CSK’s new head coach Zaheer Khan, who has taken over from Stephen Fleming.
CSK managing director K.S. Viswanathan explained that the franchise had identified middle-order power-hitting as a priority, with Livingstone viewed as a suitable option at No. 6 or No. 7.
“We wanted a power-hitting all-rounder in the middle-order at number 6 or 7, and we felt Liam Livingstone is the right option for that. Similarly, Jack Edwards is a promising seam-bowling all-rounder and can complement Jamie Overton,” Viswanathan said.
Livingstone’s arrival gives CSK an additional aggressive batting option capable of providing finishing power and contributing with both off-spin and leg-spin. His versatility could offer the team greater flexibility in constructing its middle order, particularly in conditions where spin becomes an important factor.
However, his reduced trade value also makes the move financially significant. At ₹6 crore, CSK have secured an experienced international all-rounder at less than half his previous contract value, potentially leaving greater flexibility for their remaining auction requirements.
Edwards, meanwhile, represents a longer-term investment. The 26-year-old Australian is yet to make his IPL debut but has collected 58 wickets in T20 cricket across competitions, including the Big Bash League and Major League Cricket. His seam-bowling ability and lower-order batting could provide additional depth alongside fellow Australian Jamie Overton.
For SRH, the acquisition of Khaleel and Ellis addresses their fast-bowling requirements, although both arrivals come with questions surrounding recent fitness and availability.
Khaleel claimed 15 wickets during the 2025 IPL season but featured in only five matches in 2026 before an injury curtailed his campaign. Ellis, regarded as an effective death-overs specialist, missed the entire 2026 season with a hamstring injury after playing just one match in 2025.
CSK’s decision to part ways with both pacers suggests a reassessment of their overseas and domestic fast-bowling combinations. With Mukesh Choudhary and Gurjapneet Singh already providing left-arm pace options, the franchise appears to have considered its existing domestic resources before making the trade.
The departure of Ellis, in particular, leaves CSK with a vacancy in their overseas pace department. The franchise is expected to explore options for an overseas fast bowler at the upcoming mini-auction.
The four-player exchange therefore represents more than a straightforward transfer of personnel. CSK have prioritised middle-order firepower and all-round depth, while SRH have strengthened their pace-bowling resources ahead of the next season.
With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, both franchises will now have to ensure that their remaining squad combinations address the gaps created and the requirements identified through this trade.