CSK and SRH Finalize Player Trade Ahead of IPL 2027
CSK and SRH Complete Four-Player Trade
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have successfully executed a four-player trade in preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. The deal sees England's all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards heading to Chennai, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis will join the Hyderabad franchise. Livingstone, who was previously signed by SRH for Rs 13 crore ahead of IPL 2026, will now play for CSK at a revised fee of Rs 6 crore. Edwards, who was acquired by SRH for Rs 3 crore, will continue with Chennai at his existing contract value. In exchange, SRH will retain Khaleel and Ellis at their current fees of Rs 4.8 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively.
This trade presents both teams with a chance to enhance their rosters before the next season, with CSK adding more all-round capabilities and SRH bolstering their pace attack. Edwards, who was signed by SRH prior to his international debut for Australia, missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to a foot injury. Khaleel returns to SRH after previously playing for them from 2018 to 2021. He took 15 wickets in 14 matches for CSK during IPL 2025 but only played five times in the 2026 season before a right quadriceps injury cut his campaign short. Ellis, recognized for his variations and effectiveness in the death overs, will enhance SRH's fast-bowling lineup.
Franchise Performance and Coaching Changes
This trade follows contrasting performances from both franchises in IPL 2026. SRH secured third place in the league stage with nine victories and five losses, amassing 18 points, but faced elimination against Rajasthan Royals. Conversely, CSK had a disappointing season, finishing eighth with only 12 points, thus missing the playoffs.
In light of their performance, CSK has made significant changes to their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027. Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the new head coach, taking over from long-time coach Stephen Fleming. Mohit Sharma will serve as the bowling coach, while Albie Morkel, Gareth Batty, and Sridharan Sriram will act as assistant coaches. James Foster remains in his role as fielding coach.