IPL 2027: CSK trade Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis to SRH in exchange for Liam Livingstone, Jack Edwards

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completed a significant four-player trade as both franchises reshape their squads ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season.⁠

Under the deal announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards will join CSK, while Indian left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis move to SRH.

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Fee Details Of All Players

• Livingstone joins CSK at a reduced fee of Rs 6 crore, down from the Rs 13 crore SRH paid for him at the previous auction.
   
• Edwards moves to CSK at his existing fee of Rs 3 crore.
   
• Khaleel Ahmed joins SRH at his existing fee of Rs 4.8 crore.
   
• Nathan Ellis moves to SRH at his existing fee of Rs 2 crore.

What CSK Are Getting

Livingstone brings explosive middle-order power and secondary spin options (he bowls both leg-spin and off-spin). He had a forgettable IPL 2026 with SRH, scoring only 15 runs in limited appearances before losing his place.⁠

Edwards is a promising 26-year-old Australian all-rounder (right-hand bat, right-arm medium-fast) who has impressed in domestic cricket and the Big Bash League. SRH had outbid CSK to sign him as the only uncapped overseas player in the previous auction, but a foot injury ruled him out of the entire IPL 2026. He has since made his international debut for Australia.

What SRH Are Getting

Khaleel Ahmed returns to a familiar franchise after previously playing for SRH from 2018 to 2021. He was highly effective for CSK in IPL 2025, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches, but managed only five games in 2026 before a right quadriceps injury ended his season.⁠

Nathan Ellis adds proven T20 experience, variations, and death-overs skill. He also missed the entire IPL 2026 campaign due to a hamstring injury.

Strategic Takeaways For CSK, SRH

The trade addresses clear needs for both sides after contrasting IPL 2026 campaigns. SRH finished third with nine wins and reached the Eliminator, while CSK had a disappointing season, finishing eighth with six wins and missing the playoffs.⁠

CSK gain much-needed batting firepower and overseas all-round depth to bolster their middle order. SRH strengthen their pace attack with left-arm variety from Khaleel and death-bowling options from Ellis, while welcoming back a known quantity in the left-armer.

The move comes during the IPL 2027 trade and retention window, with the player retention deadline recently extended to November 17. Both franchises are expected to continue fine-tuning their squads before the next mini-auction.⁠