As the IPL retention date gets closer, cricket fans’ hearts are beating faster. Teams are making moves that supporters are struggling to understand, and fans are facing one shock after another as their favourite players move to other franchises.
CSK fans were already dealing with two big blows after Nathan Ellis and Khaleel Ahmed were traded. Then came reports of another major exchange: Dewald Brevis and Noor Ahmad could move to Delhi Capitals, with Chennai targeting Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma in return.
The reason was clear. CSK need a replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. They backed Prashant Veer last season, but that move did not work out. Now, they want Axar, who can be considered an upgraded option for that role at this stage of their careers. He has also taken over the role Jadeja previously played in India’s T20 side.
Chennai also need a finisher. Over the past two to three years, with MS Dhoni moving beyond his prime, they have struggled to find a reliable batter for that job. Ashutosh has emerged as their target because, judging by his finishing performances over the past two seasons, there is a strong case for calling him the best Indian option for this role.
CSK were therefore looking to address two major weaknesses through one deal. But a big twist has now complicated the proposed exchange.
What Has Changed in the Axar-Brevis Trade?
According to reports, CSK wanted Axar and Ashutosh, while Delhi were interested in Brevis and Noor. The discussions were said to have reached the final stages, with an agreement appearing close.
However, the major obstacle was Ashutosh. Delhi were reportedly unwilling to include him in this exchange and offered Sameer Rizvi instead.
That changed the deal for Chennai. Their interest was in a specific combination: Axar to fill the spin-bowling all-rounder’s role and Ashutosh to strengthen the finishing. Receiving another middle-order batter would not solve the same problem.
Why Sameer Rizvi Does Not Meet CSK’s Need
Rizvi is talented, and CSK know that well because they have previously backed him. But his strengths are better suited to the middle order, especially against spin.
Against quality pace early in his innings, particularly short balls, he can struggle to settle and become vulnerable to an early dismissal. That is a concern when considering him for a finishing role, where fast bowlers usually operate in the closing overs.
Chennai already have several middle-order batting options. Adding Rizvi could leave them with another player competing for a place without addressing their main weakness. He could struggle to find a spot in the playing XI, making the exchange a poor use of a squad slot.
For CSK, therefore, Ashutosh is not simply an optional addition alongside Axar. He is central to why this trade would make sense.
Delhi Want a Pacer in Return for Ashutosh
Delhi’s reported reluctance does not necessarily mean they are unwilling to trade Ashutosh altogether. Their priority appears to be different: they want to use him to bring in a quality fast bowler.
According to reports, they have also been discussing that possibility with Gujarat Titans. Rather than include Ashutosh in the proposed CSK exchange, Delhi want a separate deal that strengthens their pace attack.
That leaves the two franchises looking for different outcomes. Chennai want both Axar and Ashutosh, while Delhi are reportedly offering Axar and Rizvi and exploring other destinations for Ashutosh.
CSK’s Interest Fades as the Deal Moves Off the Radar
With their preferred combination unavailable, CSK are reportedly losing interest. The proposed trade is now said to have moved off the radar, and its chances of going through have dropped considerably.
Chennai would be giving up two major match-winners in Brevis and Noor. Such a sacrifice only makes sense if the players coming in address their biggest weaknesses.
Their trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad already looks like a significant loss from CSK’s perspective. Another exchange that costs them important players without fixing their combination could leave them in an even weaker position.
The reported position is now clear: CSK want Ashutosh alongside Axar for this deal to proceed. Unless Delhi agree to include both, the proposed exchange is unlikely to happen. Delhi’s continuing efforts to find a separate trade for Ashutosh remain the biggest obstacle.