MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja (Source: AFP)
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise is reportedly eyeing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) key spin-bowling all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed for next year's IPL 2027 season. However, the LSG camp is reluctant to let the cricketer go.
It is worth noting that the star player is seen as the replacement for Ravindra Jadeja in CSK.
CSK looking to nab Shahbaz Ahmed after Bengal T20 success
The CSK franchise is keen on signing Shahbaz Ahmed for next year’s IPL 2027 season, as reported by CricBlogger.
It appears that the five-time IPL-winning franchise is looking to find an ideal replacement for legendary Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Notably, the CSK franchise traded out Ravindra Jadeja late last year in exchange of incoming Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals.
While Samson aggregated nearly 500 runs in the recently-concluded IPL 2026 season for the CSK, the franchise also seemingly felt the need of an all-round specialist like Jadeja.
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For starters, the seasoned Indian pro scored 266 runs at a prolific average of 66.50 for the Royals, and also picked up 10 wickets in 12 innings at 27.70 in an otherwise high-scoring season.
If CSK manages to nab Shahbaz Ahmed, the Bengal all-rounder might solve the year-old Ravindra Jadeja dilemma for the franchise and provide the balance of batting depth, spin bowling, and fielding versatility they have been missing since Jadeja's departure.
Moreover, Ahmed has also boosted his captaincy credentials off late by leading Shrachi Rarh Tigers to its maiden Bengal T20 title this year.
LSG refuses to let go of Shahbaz Ahmed
The LSG franchise, meanwhile, is reportedly refusing to let go of Shahbaz Ahmed, especially after his Bengal T20 success.
The franchise roped in Ahmed prior to the IPL 2025 season last year. While the cricketer played just three matches in his maiden season with the franchise, he played five games in the recently-concluded IPL 2026 under the leadership of Rishabh Pant.
In his eight matches for the LSG so far, the 31-year-old has picked up six wickets in eight innings.
Despite his underwhelming numbers with the franchise, the left-arm spinner is likely being preferred by the management owing to his prolific record in domestic cricket, and for his Bengal T20 success earlier this month.
CSK also eyeing Hardik Pandya
Notably, Shahbaz Ahmed is not the only cricketer who has emerged as a person of interest within the CSK circles.
According to reports, the CSK franchise has also expressed its interest in acquiring legendary Indian all-rounder and Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya.
Another report indicated that former CSK captain MS Dhoni was the one who suggested the team management to trade in Pandya for next year’s IPL 2027 season.
One can assume that the franchise is looking for an ideal successor to Dhoni following Ruturaj Gaikwad’s failure in taking the team into the playoffs.
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