Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Ashwin has opened up on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)’s four-player trade. Notably, Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards moved to CSK while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis moved to SRH.
Liam Livingstone’s price has been revised from the INR 13 crore paid by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the 2026 auction to INR 6 crore. Meanwhile, Edwards will continue to earn INR 3 crore, Khaleel Ahmed INR 4.8 crore and Nathan Ellis INR 2 crore.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that CSK may have found the pace-hitting finisher in Livingstone to replace MS Dhoni, adding that he might turn a corner as a pace-hitter in Chepauk.
“At a reduced cost of 6 crores, CSK has taken a punt on Livingstone. He can smash, and CSK have been searching for a pace-hitting finisher as a replacement for Dhoni. He might turn a corner as a pace-hitter in Chepauk.”
Further, Ashwin was surprised at CSK’s trade, adding that it is a massive gain for the Hyderabad-based franchise. While Khaleel played only five games in IPL 2026, Ellis missed the whole season with a hamstring injury.
“This trade came out of the syllabus. I am surprised CSK made this move. This trade is a massive gain for SRH. Hyderabad is a high-scoring ground, and SRH has bolstered their side with another defensive bowler in Ellis. CSK has given away two first-11 players. But whether Livingstone and Edwards are first-11 options for CSK remains to be seen,” said Ashwin.
“But I feel CSK may be planning something internally that’s not evident on the outside. By releasing Prashant Veer and a few others, they could enter the auction with 25 to 30 crores. Maybe they are sensing a marquee player like Cameron Green entering the auction. I’ve also heard that CSK are looking hard for the left-arm spinner,” he added.
