In an unexpected turn of events, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will not be acquiring Washington Sundar as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin. This comes after the veteran spinner announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in August. CSK was actively seeking Sundar as Ashwin's successor, but talks with the Gujarat Titans (GT) have collapsed.
Failed Trade Negotiations
Initially, reports indicated that CSK was in negotiations with GT regarding a potential trade involving Sundar. The all-rounder was believed to be available for a cash deal, likely in the ballpark of INR 3.20 crore—the amount for which he was originally acquired.
During a recent discussion on Ashwin’s YouTube channel, Tamil Nadu bowler Krishnamoorthy Vignesh suggested that the trade was nearly finalized. However, Ashwin quickly clarified that Sundar was not informed about any such agreement with GT.
Reasons for the Cancellation
As of now, GT's head coach, Ashish Nehra, has firmly decided against the trade, citing Washington's importance to the team's strategy. After a successful IPL 2025 season, where Sundar's performance surged, Nehra’s stance has become even more resolute.
| Statistic |
Value |
| Price Paid by GT |
INR 3.20 crore |
| Total IPL Matches Played |
6 |
| Recent Performance (Runs) |
49* runs off 23 balls |
Despite limited playtime last season, the Titans regard Sundar as an invaluable asset. In recent matches, his performance has notably improved, including a remarkable unbeaten knock of 49 runs off just 23 deliveries in Hobart. This impressive display, however, did not sway Nehra’s decision as he had already committed to keeping Sundar for the upcoming seasons.
Future Considerations
There remains a possibility that Washington Sundar could seek a release from his contract with GT due to the context of his performance against his compensation. Many believe that INR 3.20 crore does not accurately reflect his contributions on the field.
To retain him, GT may have to consider adjusting his salary, which could involve releasing other players to accommodate Sundar's higher pay scale. With the retention deadline for IPL 2026 fast approaching, both parties will need to navigate their options wisely.