IPL 2027: Livingstone, Edwards join CSK in massive four-player SRH trade
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completed one of the most significant deals of the IPL 2027 trading window, with a four-player exchange reshaping both squads ahead of the upcoming season. England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australia all-rounder Jack Edwards move to CSK, while India left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australia death-overs specialist Nathan Ellis head to SRH.
The Headline Move: Livingstone at Half His SRH Price
The centrepiece of the deal is Livingstone, who was originally acquired by SRH for ₹13 crore. According to an official tournament statement, he joins CSK at less than half that valuation — just ₹6 crore. The England all-rounder endured a forgettable IPL 2026, managing only 15 runs across two appearances before losing his place in the playing eleven entirely.
Edwards follows him to Chennai on his existing fee of ₹3 crore. The Australian all-rounder was picked up by SRH before making his international debut, but a foot injury ruled him out of IPL 2026 altogether, leaving his T20 potential at the franchise level largely untested.
SRH Welcome Back Khaleel, Add Ellis
Khaleel Ahmed returns to Hyderabad on his current fee of ₹4.8 crore, reuniting with a franchise he represented from 2018 to 2021. His comeback is well-merited on recent form: Khaleel was among CSK's most dependable bowlers in IPL 2025, claiming 15 wickets in 14 matches. His 2026 campaign, however, was cut short after just five games following a right hamstring injury that required surgery.
Completing the deal, Ellis joins SRH on his existing fee of ₹2 crore. The right-arm Australian pacer missed IPL 2026 after aggravating an old hamstring injury. Known for his sharp variations and composure at the death, Ellis gives SRH an additional experienced T20 option. Notably, he featured for the Sunrisers Leeds in this year's The Hundred competition in England — a connection that makes his move to Hyderabad feel like a franchise reunion of sorts.
What Each Side Gains
For CSK, the trade adds two overseas all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball, providing tactical flexibility in the middle overs. The low acquisition cost for Livingstone, in particular, represents a calculated gamble on a player with proven T20 credentials globally despite his quiet 2026 season.
SRH, meanwhile, shore up their pace attack with contrasting profiles: Khaleel brings left-arm swing and experience in Indian conditions, while Ellis adds death-bowling expertise and international T20 pedigree. The move addresses a specific bowling-combination need rather than being a wholesale strategic overhaul.
Trading Window Context
This CSK-SRH deal follows several other high-profile moves in the ongoing window. Delhi Capitals brought back former captain Rishabh Pant from Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Delhi also returned left-arm pacer T Natarajan to SRH, receiving leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari in return — indicating SRH have been particularly active in this cycle of trades.
With the trading window still open, further franchise reshuffles before IPL 2027 remain possible.