Former South African batter AB de Villiers reckons Sunrisers Hyderabad is at loss after trading Liam Livingstone to Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2027 auction. On Thursday, SRH decided to trade in Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis for Jack Edwards and Liam Livingstone with CSK. de Villiers said the England all-rounder was underused by the Orange Army in the previous season.
AB admitted that the English batter hasn’t been able to find his feet in the IPL but he has the ability to deliver the goods with the bat. The former RCB batter wants Livingstone to cement his place in CSK’s playing XI by performing consistently in the lower-middle order.
“Livingstone is playing good cricket. He’s got a phenomenal golf swing. Always a big asset. Everyone was happy with the trade, but I still feel it is a big loss for SRH. Maybe he was underused throughout the last IPL. Never really got going at RCB as well. Going to CSK, new territory. He must be careful not to jump around too much. Not that it was in his control, but I would like for him to find his feet and cement his spot,” AB said in a video on his YouTube channel.
AB highlighted that Livingstone is an aggressive batter and it would be interesting to note what kind of role he gets from CSK’s team management.
“Livingstone is quite an aggressive player, so it depends on what kind of role he is given at CSK. Any wicket can suit any batter if your role is clear and you prepare accordingly; use your experience; anyone can adapt. The Chepauk is not always spin-friendly. I have played many games there where the seamers were tricky to face. The challenge for Livingstone will be not to have predetermined ideas about the stadium and feel like spin will get all over him. Just have a clear mind and play what you see.”
Livingstone has scored 1066 runs in 51 IPL matches at an average of 25.38 and a strike rate of 155.17.
