Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has questioned Chennai Super Kings’ decision to trade for Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards, suggesting Sunrisers Hyderabad gained the upper hand in the deal ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.
The trade, completed on Thursday, saw England all-rounder Livingstone and Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Edwards join CSK. In return, India pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis moved to SRH. Srikkanth expressed his doubts about the value CSK received, particularly regarding Edwards.
“Why Jack Edwards? He is an ordinary bowler. I am okay with CSK giving away Khaleel Ahmed as he’s nothing great,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. He also questioned how Livingstone fits into the Chennai side despite acknowledging the England all-rounder’s talent.
“This trade is a better one for SRH. Personally, I think Livingstone is a good cricketer if utilised well. But how he fits in with CSK is a big question mark. CSK should release Matt Short, who is a waste, and see if Livingstone can be an upgrade for him,” he added.
Edwards made his international debut for Australia in January 2026 but missed the IPL 2026 season due to a foot injury. He will join CSK at his current contract value of Rs 3 crore. Livingstone moves to CSK for Rs 6 crore, a significant decrease from the Rs 13 crore SRH initially paid for him.
Srikkanth’s reservations extend to the overseas player quota CSK must manage. With a maximum of four overseas players allowed in the playing XI, and three spots likely secured by Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad, and Jamie Overton, Livingstone faces stiff competition for a regular place.
“CSK already have three sure starters among their overseas players in Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton. So Livingstone can only be the fourth option, and even there, CSK could go with Akeal Hosein,” Srikkanth said. “It’s a very confusing trade and not a convincing trade for CSK. Will CSK benefit from this? It’s a big question mark.”
Srikkanth also pointed to Edwards’ domestic record as underwhelming, further questioning the logic behind CSK’s move. “I am not convinced by Edwards either, and his domestic track record is also nothing great. So this trade definitely favours SRH,” he added.
SRH strengthened their pace bowling options with Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, both of whom have IPL experience. Khaleel has been a regular in the SRH line-up, while Ellis adds depth with his pace. The Sunrisers will look to these players to bolster their squad ahead of the 2027 auction.
Livingstone’s dual abilities as a batsman and bowler could offer CSK flexibility, but Srikkanth remains unsure how the all-rounder fits into their plans given the existing squad composition and overseas restrictions.
The deal shifts the dynamics between two franchises preparing for the IPL 2027 season, with SRH appearing to gain more balance in their squad. Srikkanth’s comments underline lingering questions about CSK’s strategy in this trade and how it will impact their campaign.
According to Yahoo Sports.
