IPL 2027: CSK & SRH Pull Off Four-Player Trade; Livingstone-Edwards Head to Chennai, Khaleel-Ellis to Hyderabad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completed a significant four-player trade ahead of the IPL 2027 season, with both franchises reshaping their squads before next month’s mini auction. England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards will move to Chennai, while Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis will join Hyderabad.

The exchange sees both teams address specific squad requirements, with CSK strengthening their all-rounder options and SRH adding pace-bowling resources. The deal also provides Livingstone with an opportunity to revive his IPL career after a disappointing campaign with Hyderabad, while Edwards gets a fresh start after missing the previous season due to injury.

Livingstone, who was acquired by SRH for Rs 13 crore, will join the five-time champions at a revised salary of Rs 6 crore. Edwards will move to Chennai at his existing fee of Rs 3 crore. In return, Khaleel will return to his former franchise at Rs 4.8 crore, while Ellis will join SRH for his existing salary of Rs 2 crore.

Livingstone, Edwards Strengthen CSK

Livingstone’s move to Chennai comes after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign in which he failed to make an impact for SRH. The England international featured in just two matches, scoring 15 runs at a strike rate of 60. His inability to establish himself in the playing XI eventually made him surplus to the franchise’s requirements.

The 32-year-old will now represent his fifth IPL franchise, having previously played for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Known for his power-hitting and ability to contribute with both off-spin and leg-spin, Livingstone offers CSK additional flexibility in the middle order.

Edwards, meanwhile, arrives with considerable promise despite being yet to make his IPL debut. The Australian was signed by Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026 but was sidelined by a foot injury before he could feature in the tournament.

The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive Big Bash League 2025-26 season with Sydney Sixers, collecting 19 wickets and scoring 133 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 168.35. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable addition to Chennai’s squad.

Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis Move to Hyderabad

For SRH, the acquisition of Khaleel and Ellis provides additional depth to their fast-bowling department. Khaleel returns to Hyderabad, where he previously played between 2018 and 2021 before joining CSK.

The left-arm pacer made a promising start with Chennai, claiming 15 wickets in 14 appearances during his first season with the franchise. However, his subsequent campaign was disrupted by injuries. In IPL 2026, he managed just five appearances, taking two wickets at an economy rate of 8.67 before a right quadriceps injury forced him out of the tournament.

Ellis also arrives at Hyderabad after an injury-hit spell with Chennai. The Australian pacer was expected to be part of CSK’s plans for IPL 2026 but aggravated an existing hamstring problem before the competition began. The injury required an extended rehabilitation period, ruling him out of the entire season.

A specialist in white-ball cricket, Ellis is particularly effective with his variations and execution during the death overs. His experience in handling pressure situations could prove useful for Hyderabad as they look to strengthen their bowling attack.

The latest exchange follows another trade involving SRH earlier this year, when the franchise brought left-arm pacer T Natarajan back from Delhi Capitals. Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari moved to the Delhi-based side as part of that deal.

With the mini auction approaching, the four-player exchange allows both CSK and SRH to address key gaps without relying entirely on the auction pool. The focus will now shift to how the two franchises use their remaining squad slots and purse to build competitive combinations for IPL 2027.

With inputs from PTI