Former Indian Test opener Sadagopan Ramesh has questioned Chennai Super Kings after their trade deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2027 auction. On Thursday, CSK decided to trade out Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis for Jack Edwards and Liam Livingstone from SRH.
Ramesh said Liam Livingstone’s form has been dipping in the last three seasons and CSK has decided to trust a player, who is not backed by other franchises.
Livingstone will now take INR 6 crore after the trade deal.
Sadagopan Ramesh said on his Instagram handle, “Livingstone’s form over the last three IPL seasons has been steadily dropping. RCB won their first title in 2025, and he played 10 matches. Yet, even a team that won its maiden title instantly released him. RCB’s message was that even in their biggest triumph, Livingstone played no role. In SRH, he barely played because Pat Cummins preferred Malinga over him, which was a great decision. And CSK is buying a player that other teams haven’t trusted.”
“The pattern to be observed is that, over the last three seasons, the respective franchises trusted Livingstone less and less. That’s why each franchise is readily giving him away. His X-factor is his batting and that has been struggling in the last three seasons. It’s like an already struggling side has gone for a player who is himself struggling. SRH fans are celebrating Livingstone’s departure and the arrival of the two CSK players. The only hope is Dhoni’s influence transforming Livingstone.”
The former flamboyant batter further questioned CSK for releasing fast bowlers like Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed.
“Khaleel has gone at an economy of only nine over the last two IPL seasons. That’s an excellent economy on the flat IPL tracks. So he has delivered a decent performance. Though Ellis didn’t play last season due to injury, by releasing him and Khaleel, CSK gave away two bowlers capable of bowling at the death,” said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).
IPL 2027 auction will be held in Goa in mid-December.
