"Ordinary Bowler, Confusing Trade": Kris Srikkanth Tears Into CSK's IPL 2027 Deal

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday completed a four-player trade ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. England's Liam Livingstone and Australia's Jack Edwards joined the five-time champions, while India's Khaleel Ahmed and Australia's Nathan Ellis moved to SRH. Reacting to the deal, former India opener Kris Srikkanth said that SRH were the side that benefited from the trade. He termed Edwards an "ordinary bowler" and also questioned the role of Livingstone in the CSK team. Edwards, who made his Australia debut in January this year, is yet to play an IPL game.

"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," said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Edwards joined CSK at his existing fee of Rs 3 crore. He was signed by SRH before making his international debut for Australia but could not feature in IPL 2026 after being ruled out with a foot injury.

On the other hand, Livingstone joined CSK at a reduced fee of Rs 6 crore, having originally been acquired by SRH for Rs 13 crore.

It is worth noting that each team is allowed to have a maximum of four overseas players in the playing XI. While discussing the possible combination for CSK, Srikkanth termed the trade "very confusing" for the five-time champions.

"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," Srikkanth added.

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