Yashasvi Jaiswal Backed For Massive Captaincy Trade-Off To New Franchise By Ex-IPL Winner, Two Big Movements Predicted In RCB

File photo of Ambati Rayudu.© NDTV Library

Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad were involved in the first trade ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards moved to CSK, while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis went in the opposite direction. This is the only trade that has been officially confirmed so far by the BCCI. There are strong rumours that Mumbai Indians' Hardik Pandya will be traded to Punjab Kings, while Arshdeep Singh will move in the opposite direction. If that trade happens, it will not be the only high-profile movement that might go through. Former MI and CSK player Ambati Rayudu answered a series of trade-related questions on Cricbuzz. Some of his choices were pretty intriguing.

For his old franchise Mumbai Indians, Rayudu said they needed a "solid No. 4 batter who can play spin as well as pace". He predicted Nehal Wadhera to move to MI from Punjab Kings. As far as Royal Challengers Bengaluru were concerned, Rayudu picked Yuzvendra Chahal as a possible trade target.

"They need a spinner, maybe a leg-spinner. The wickets are going to be slow," he said.

Rayudu predicted that former champions Gujarat Titans may need a solid middle-order batter. He picked Venkatesh Iyer as the likely choice.

The most interesting prediction was for Lucknow Super Giants.

"They need an Indian captain who is hungry to lead the franchise for a decade. I think Yashasvi Jaiswal will be a great option for them and good for him too," he said.

He also said Kolkata Knight Riders needed a captain and picked Suryakumar Yadav, citing his previous experience of playing for the franchise.

He also said Punjab Kings need not bring in any changes and added that someone like Shai Hope would be a great opening partner for KL Rahul.

While Hardik Pandya is strongly tipped to join Punjab Kings, Rayudu felt CSK needed a player like him in the middle order. As far as Sunrisers Hyderabad were concerned, he picked Sam Curran. Rayudu said that if somebody like Curran comes in, he will take a lot of the bowling pressure off the team amid doubts over Pat Cummins' availability. It would also enable Heinrich Klaasen to bat higher up.

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