The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 retention deadline is on November 17th; ahead of that, the teams are trading players from one franchise to another. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was involved in a big deal where they let go of Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis and brought in Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards. AB de Villiers has backed Livingstone to perform for CSK.

There have been some blockbuster trades that have taken place ahead of the IPL mini-auction on December 16 at the Grand Hotel, Goa. Making the headlines is Hardik Pandya, who joins Punjab Kings (PBKS), as Arshdeep Singh joins Mumbai Indians (MI) as part of the deal. Rishabh Pant has come back to Delhi Capitals (DC) as they let go of Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

"I still feel it’s a big loss for the Sunrisers": AB de Villiers of letting go of Liam Livingstone

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers backs Liam Livingstone, as he believes that he has been playing good cricket, has a phenomenal batting swing, and has always been a match-winner for the franchise. It is a big loss for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who have traded him out, and de Villiers also feels that he was underused by the franchise.

"Livingstone is playing good cricket. He has got a phenomenal golf swing. Always a big asset. Everyone was happy with the trade, but I still feel it’s a big loss for the Sunrisers," de Villiers said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

"Maybe he was underused throughout the last IPL. Never really got going at RCB as well," de Villiers said.

AB de Villiers warns Liam Livingstone

De Villiers believes that Liam Livingstone is going to CSK, which is new territory for him, and he needs to be careful and stay in control. He also believes that he will surely find his spot in the team, as he is an aggressive cricketer; it will depend on the role that CSK will provide him in the forthcoming season.

"Going to CSK, new territory. He must be careful not to jump around too much. 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," de Villiers said.

"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," de Villiers added.

Liam Livingstone's IPL career

Liam Livingstone took a pay cut of more than 50% to join CSK, from INR 13 crore to INR 6 crore. He had a poor 2026 season, scoring just 15 runs in two matches for the Orange Army.

Overall, he has featured in 51 games in the rich cash league, scoring 1066 runs with a strike rate of 155.16 and a below-par average of 25.38. He would look to find some rhythm in the new season for the Men in Yellow and win matches for the franchise.

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