‘Ordinary bowler’: Former India captain slams CSK’s ‘confusing’ deal, says SRH are real winners

Khaleel Ahmed, Liam Livingstone Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has questioned Chennai Super Kings’ decision to trade for Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards as he believes Sunrisers Hyderabad have emerged as bigger winners from the four-player deal ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.CSK and SRH completed the swap on Thursday, with England all-rounder Livingstone and Australian bowling all-rounder Edwards moving between the five-time champions. In return, Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis joined SRH.Reacting to the development on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth was particularly critical of CSK’s decision to bring Edwards on board, describing the Australian as an ordinary bowler. He also questioned whether Livingstone would have a clear role in the Chennai side.“Why Jack Edwards? He is an ordinary bowler. I agree with CSK giving away Khaleel Ahmed because he is nothing great. This trade is better for SRH. I personally think Livingstone is a good cricketer if he is used well. But how he fits in CSK is a big question mark. CSK should drop him,” said Matt Short, who is wasted on Skanth and let’s see if Livingstone would upgrade.Edwards, who made his international debut in Australia in January this year, will join CSK at an existing contract price of Rs 3 crore. SRH signed him ahead of his international debut, but the all-rounder did not get an opportunity to feature in IPL 2026 after a leg injury forced him out of the tournament.Livingstone, meanwhile, will move to CSK for Rs 6 crore, a significant reduction from the Rs 13 crore SRH initially acquired him for.Srikkanth’s concerns about the deal also stem from the combination of overseas players CSK has at its disposal. With franchises allowed to field a maximum of four overseas players in their playing XI, he believes it could be difficult for Livingstone to secure a regular spot.The former India opener pointed out that CSK already have three overseas players who are likely to feature regularly, leaving the English all-rounder with limited space.“CSK already have three sure starters among their overseas players in Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton. So Livingstone can only be the fourth option and that’s where CSK could go with Akeal Hosein. It’s a very confusing trade and not convincing for CSK. Will it benefit CSK? It’s also a big question mark and his domestic record is not convinced. Edwarda is not a big question mark. Definitely preferred by SRH.” added Srikkanth.While Livingstone’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball could offer CSK another option, Srikkanth remains unconvinced about how the two incoming players fit into the team’s plans. He believes the stock market has given SRH a better deal heading into the 2027 IPL auction.