Former India opener Aakash Chopra has hailed the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for their trade deals ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. He mentioned that SRH are focusing on fast bowlers as Pat Cummins might miss the 20th season of the competition.

Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed have joined the franchise from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards heading to the five-time champions.

Aakash feels the franchise is preparing for Cummins’ likely absence.

“Five stars for Sunrisers Hyderabad because their bowling was weak. They were managing the situation somehow. Eshan Malinga was in the squad, and Pat Cummins was leading the bowling attack. Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge were doing their job. Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat were also part of the team,” Chopra said.

“However, it seems Pat Cummins might not be available. This is a possibility, so they are strengthening their fast bowling attack. They first got T Natarajan, and if he starts bowling yorkers, he is an asset,” he added.

Chopra opined on the likely impact of Khaleel and Ellis.

“SRH offered Liam Livingstone to Chennai, a player whom CSK have been chasing since 2022. Jack Edwards will also play for Chennai. In return, they have got Khaeel, who has improved a lot and can bowl with the new and old ball. Nathan Ellis is also with SRH. When Nathan Ellis was ruled out, Chennai looked weak.”

Aakash Chopra said that Sunrisers Hyderabad might release Harshal Patel to free INR 8 crore for the auction. He added that SRH could bid for Shai Hope, considering Travis Head’s unavailability for the next season.

Aakash Chopra opined on CSK releasing Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis

Akash Chopra noted that CSK have a long list of fast bowlers even after sending Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis to SRH.

“I was wondering about Chennai’s stance. The MRF Pace Academy is here. They have released two players but still have Kuldip Yadav, Akash Madhwal, Zak Foulkes, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Spencer Johnson, Gurjapneet Singh and Jack Edwards,” he said.

Chopra predicted that CSK can release a few more speedsters.