Player trades have become an important part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with franchises regularly exchanging players to improve their squads before a new season. While some deals have helped teams find the missing pieces, others have failed, and the Chennai Super Kings are among them.

Over the years, some IPL trades have raised serious questions about the decisions made by franchises. Here are three deals that have proved costly for the teams involved, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) featuring on the list.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed-Mayank Dagar Swap: (RCB–SRH, 2024)

Loser: RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) completed a direct swap involving Shahbaz Ahmed and Mayank Dagar ahead of IPL 2024. RCB sent their trusty all-rounder Shahbaz to Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar after an ordinary IPL 2023 season, in which he scored just 42 runs and picked up one wicket in 10 matches.

But this move backfired for RCB, as Dagar failed to make a big impact for the franchise. Shahbaz Ahmed played a key role in SRH’s impressive run to the 2024 IPL final. He contributed with useful runs in the lower order and picked up important wickets as an impact player.

On the other hand, Dagar conceded runs at an economy rate of over 10 on the batting-friendly M. Chinnaswamy pitch. So, RCB could have benefited more by keeping Shahbaz in their squad.

2. Avesh Khan-Devdutt Padikkal Swap: (LSG–RR, 2024)

Loser: LSG

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) completed a direct player swap ahead of IPL 2024, exchanging fast bowler Avesh Khan and top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal. LSG brought in Padikkal to strengthen their top order, while Rajasthan Royals wanted Avesh to improve their death bowling.

However, Rajasthan Royals clearly won this trade. Avesh delivered impressive performances under pressure, defending crucial runs and building a strong pace attack alongside Sandeep Sharma and Trent Boult. But Padikkal struggled badly at LSG. He played seven matches but managed only 38 runs. LSG gave away a quality fast bowler but failed to get the expected returns from Padikkal.

1. The Four-Player Trade: (CSK–SRH, 2027)

Loser: CSK

The latest four-player trade between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has already left many stunned ahead of IPL 2027. The deal, which was completed on November 5, saw Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards move to CSK, while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis joined SRH.

Livingstone has joined CSK for INR 6 crore, reduced from his earlier contract of INR 13 crore. Edwards has moved at his existing fee of INR 3 crore. In return, SRH has received Khaleel for INR 4.8 crore and Ellis for INR 2 crore ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction in Goa.

On paper, CSK have added two all-rounders who can strengthen their batting and bowling options. However, the decision to release Khaleel and Ellis might bite them back when the new season would begin.

Khaleel was one of CSK's standout performers, as he picked up 15 wickets in 14 matches in the 2025 season. However, injuries affected Khaleel’s 2026 campaign, while Ellis offers experience and death-over bowling skills.

The biggest concern for CSK is whether Livingstone and Edwards can deliver enough to make up for the bowling strength they have given away. Edwards is yet to make his IPL debut, while Livingstone will need to produce consistent performances.

Well, SRH appear to have strengthened their pace attack, while CSK has taken a gamble on adding all-round options ahead of the IPL 2027.