Key points
- Former India batter Hanuma Vihari has advised Chennai Super Kings not to trade Noor Ahmad if they pursue Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of IPL 2027.
- Noor Ahmad was bought by CSK for Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
- Vihari said Axar could address CSK's need for a left-arm spinner and strengthen the No. 6 and No. 7 batting positions.
- Vihari described letting Noor go as a bad trade and said releasing Dewald Brevis would also be a major decision.
- CSK acquired Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards from Sunrisers Hyderabad in a four-player trade that also sent Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis to SRH.
- Axar has captained Delhi Capitals since IPL 2025; the NDTV report says DC missed the playoffs in both of his seasons as captain and describes his personal IPL 2026 campaign as disappointing.
Former India cricketer Hanuma Vihari has sent Chennai Super Kings a clear message amid speculation linking Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel with a move to the franchise ahead of IPL 2027: do not sacrifice Noor Ahmad to complete the deal. Vihari believes Axar could strengthen CSK in more than one department, but warned that giving up the Afghan spinner would be a poor trade.
The discussion comes as the IPL trade window remains active ahead of the 2027 season. Axar has been linked with CSK, although the NDTV report says no concrete development had been announced. Vihari's comments, made on his YouTube channel and reported by Sportskeeda, focus on how the potential deal could reshape CSK's spin attack and middle order.
Vihari identifies Noor Ahmad as a player CSK should keep
Noor Ahmad is the central figure in Vihari's warning. CSK secured the left-arm wrist-spinner for Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, and Vihari believes his value should not be overlooked in any negotiation for Axar.
“Letting go of Noor Ahmed will be a bad trade,” Vihari said, as quoted in the report. He also noted that releasing Dewald Brevis would be a significant call. His position is that CSK should examine the balance of the squad carefully rather than treat Noor as an expendable piece in a potential exchange.
The distinction matters because Axar and Noor offer different styles of left-arm bowling. Axar is a left-arm orthodox spinner and a batting all-rounder, while Noor is a wrist-spinner. Vihari's view is that the two could complement each other rather than one needing to be sacrificed for the other.
Why Axar Patel appeals to Chennai Super Kings
Vihari believes Axar could address areas where CSK have been looking for greater strength. He referred to the team's need for better options in the No. 6 and No. 7 batting positions, as well as the requirement for a left-arm spinner. Axar's all-round profile could help cover both needs.
“Axar Patel could bring added value to CSK. They missed out on the No. 6 and No. 7 roles last year. They also need a left-arm spinner,” Vihari said, according to the report. He also questioned the impact made by Prashant Veer, suggesting Axar could provide a more established option in the role.
Vihari's tactical argument is especially tied to CSK's home conditions. He said Noor and Axar operating together at Chepauk could be very effective. The prospect of combining a wrist-spinner with an experienced spin-bowling all-rounder gives CSK a potential pairing with different angles and skills.
Where Liam Livingstone and Dewald Brevis fit
The possible Axar move also raises questions about CSK's batting combinations. Vihari suggested that if the franchise wants to bring Axar in, Brevis could be one of the players considered in a trade. However, he stressed that letting the South African batter go would be a major decision rather than an obvious one.
CSK have already added Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards in a four-player trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis moved to SRH in that transaction, while the two overseas all-rounders joined CSK. Vihari referred to Livingstone as a possible reason the franchise could contemplate a change involving Brevis, noting that the England player can also contribute with the ball.
That recent deal gives CSK additional options, but it does not itself confirm any move involving Axar or Brevis. The current discussion remains about a possible trade scenario and how the franchise might preserve balance across its batting and bowling resources.
Axar's Delhi Capitals situation adds to the speculation
Axar has been Delhi Capitals captain since taking over ahead of IPL 2025. The NDTV report notes that Delhi did not reach the playoffs in either of his first two seasons as captain and describes his personal IPL 2026 campaign as a poor one. Those circumstances have added to the conversation around his future, although they do not establish that a transfer is imminent.
For CSK, the attraction is understandable in squad-building terms: Axar offers batting depth and left-arm spin, two qualities Vihari believes the side needs. But the former India batter's warning is that the franchise should not weaken another important part of its attack to secure that upgrade.
A trade possibility, not a confirmed deal
As of the NDTV report dated November 10, no concrete Axar Patel trade development had been revealed. Vihari's comments should therefore be read as an assessment of what CSK ought to do if negotiations progress, rather than as confirmation that Delhi Capitals and Chennai have agreed terms.
The central question for CSK is how to improve the squad without losing players who can provide a distinct role. Vihari's preferred outcome is clear: Axar could add value, but Noor Ahmad should remain part of the plan. With the IPL 2027 trade window open and squad decisions approaching, the balance between strengthening the middle order and preserving the spin attack will remain a talking point for the franchise.
Frequently asked questions
Which CSK player did Hanuma Vihari warn the franchise not to trade?
Hanuma Vihari warned Chennai Super Kings against letting go of Noor Ahmad in a possible trade for Axar Patel. Vihari called the move a bad trade, arguing that the Afghan spinner would remain valuable, particularly if CSK were able to add Axar to their bowling group.
How much did CSK pay for Noor Ahmad?
Chennai Super Kings bought Noor Ahmad for Rs 10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. His price is central to the discussion around a possible trade, with Vihari arguing that CSK should retain the spinner even while exploring ways to strengthen their squad.
Why does Hanuma Vihari think CSK should sign Axar Patel?
Vihari believes Axar could address more than one squad need for CSK. He pointed to the team's shortcomings in the No. 6 and No. 7 batting positions and its need for a left-arm spinner, saying Axar could strengthen both departments.
What did Hanuma Vihari say about Dewald Brevis?
Vihari said allowing Dewald Brevis to leave would also be a big call. He suggested that Liam Livingstone's arrival could explain why CSK might consider a change in that role, but he did not present a possible Brevis exit as a simple decision.
Has the Axar Patel trade to CSK been confirmed?
No confirmed Axar Patel trade is established in the report. Axar has been linked with CSK amid IPL 2027 trade speculation, but the NDTV story says no concrete development had been revealed. Vihari's comments are advice on a possible deal, not confirmation that one has been completed.