CSK Is Buying A Player Other Teams Didn't Trust: Ex-India Star Slams Trade With SRH

Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh criticised Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) player trade ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. On November 5, CSK completed a four-player swap deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), parting ways with pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis. In exchange, they acquired Australian all-rounders Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards. However, the inclusion of Livingstone left Ramesh puzzled, as he questioned the rationale behind signing a player whom he described as inconsistent and one who was not even "trusted" by his previous franchises.

Livingstone was bought by SRH for Rs 13 crore at the IPL 2026 auction but featured in only two matches, scoring 15 runs. Prior to that, he was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad that won its maiden IPL title in 2025. However, his individual returns were underwhelming, as he managed just 112 runs in 10 matches before being released by the franchise.

"Livingstone's form over the last three IPL seasons has been steadily dropping. RCB won their first title in 2025, and he played 10 matches. Yet, even a team that won its maiden title instantly released him. RCB's message was that even in their biggest triumph, Livingstone played no role. In SRH, he barely played because Pat Cummins preferred Malinga over him, which was a great decision. And CSK is buying a player that other teams haven't trusted," said Ramesh on Instagram.

"The pattern to be observed is that, over the last three seasons, the respective franchises trusted Livingstone less and less. That's why each franchise is readily giving him away. His X-factor is his batting and that has been struggling in the last three seasons. It's like an already struggling side has gone for a player who is himself struggling. SRH fans are celebrating Livingstone's departure and the arrival of the two CSK players. The only hope is Dhoni's influence transforming Livingstone," he added.

Ramesh also questioned CSK's decision to let go of Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, arguing that the five-time champions have weakened their death-bowling resources by releasing two proven pace options.

"Khaleel has gone at an economy of only nine over the last two IPL seasons. That's an excellent economy on the flat IPL tracks. So he has delivered a decent performance. Though Ellis didn't play last season due to injury, by releasing him and Khaleel, CSK gave away two bowlers capable of bowling at the death," said Ramesh.

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