Former India opener Kris Srikkanth questions CSK trade for Livingstone and Edwards
Srikkanth believes Sunrisers Hyderabad emerged as the winners in the four-player deal involving Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis.
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has questioned the decision by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to trade for Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards, according to the Times of India. The four-player deal, completed on Thursday, saw England all-rounder Livingstone and Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Edwards move to CSK, while India pacer Khaleel Ahmed and Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Srikkanth criticised the acquisition of Edwards, describing the Australian as an ordinary bowler. He also questioned how Livingstone would fit into the CSK side, noting that the franchise already has three overseas players likely to start: Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad, and Jamie Overton.
The former opener suggested that Livingstone might only be a fourth option, as the team could also choose Akeal Hosein. Srikkanth stated that the trade is confusing and not convincing for CSK, adding that the deal definitely favours SRH.
Livingstone will move to CSK for Rs 6 crore, which is a reduction from the Rs 13 crore at which SRH originally acquired him. Edwards, who made his international debut for Australia in January this year, joins CSK at his existing contract value of Rs 3 crore.
Srikkanth also remarked that he was okay with CSK giving away Khaleel Ahmed, whom he described as nothing great. He suggested that CSK should release Matt Short to see if Livingstone could serve as an upgrade.