As part of the deal, CSK acquired Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis moved to SRH.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completed a massive multi-player exchange ahead of the IPL 2027 retention deadline.
As part of the deal, the five-time champions acquired England batter Liam Livingstone and Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards. In exchange, SRH significantly boosted their pace attack by landing India’s Khaleel Ahmed and Australia’s Nathan Ellis.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India opener Kris Srikkanth criticized the trade deal, claiming that SRH came out the clear winner.
Srikkanth dismissed Edwards as an "ordinary bowler" with an underwhelming domestic record, questioning why CSK targeted him. He questioned where Livingstone fits in the lineup, noting that CSK already have overseas starters like Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad, and Jamie Overton.
Srikkanth labeled the trade "confusing" and unconvincing for CSK, suggesting they should have released Matt Short instead and letting SRH reap the primary benefits.
"Why Jack Edwards? He is an ordinary bowler. I am okay with CSK giving away Khaleel Ahmed as he's nothing great. 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," Srikkanth said.
"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. It's a very confusing trade and not a convincing trade for CSK. Will CSK benefit from this? It's a big question mark. I am not convinced by Edwards either, and his domestic track record is also nothing great. So this trade definitely favors SRH," he added.
Jack Edwards joined CSK at his existing Rs 3 crore fee. The seam-bowling all-rounder missed IPL 2026 due to a foot injury.
On the other hand, Liam Livingstone moved to CSK at a reduced price of Rs 6 crore after originally being bought by SRH for Rs 13 crore.