Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed that their pursuit of Washington Sundar as a replacement for veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will not proceed. The decision follows the announcement of Ashwin's retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.
CSK management had been optimistic about a potential trade with the Gujarat Titans (GT), especially since rumors suggested an agreement was nearing. However, confusion arose after Tamil Nadu bowler Krishnamoorthy Vignesh mentioned on Ashwin’s YouTube channel that the deal was almost finalized. This statement was later refuted by Ashwin himself, indicating that Sundar was unaware of any negotiations between CSK and GT.
Trade Negotiations and Outcomes
Reports indicate that CSK was planning to acquire Sundar, who was previously bought for INR 3.20 crore, via a cash deal. But as the IPL 2026 auction for retentions approached, GT's head coach Ashish Nehra made it clear that he was not willing to part with Sundar.
Sundar, who has been an all-format player for India and has played in the IPL since 2017, did not see much action last season due to strategic decisions within the GT team. Nevertheless, his value within the franchise remains high, especially after an impressive performance where he scored an unbeaten 49 runs off just 23 balls in Hobart. This performance only solidified Nehra's intention to keep him on the roster.
Future Considerations for Washington Sundar
While Nehra's decision comes with the rationale of maximizing team potential, there are speculations that Sundar may request a release from GT. With his skills and contributions, the current value of INR 3.20 crore does not seem to align with his market worth. A potential solution could involve GT increasing his salary, but this would necessitate releasing other players from the squad.
| Player | Matches Played | Scores | Price (INR) |
|---|
| Washington Sundar | 6 | 49* (23) | 3,20,00,000 |
The decision to retain Sundar hints at GT's ambition to strengthen their lineup as they look towards future seasons. The IPL landscape is ever-evolving, and with the right strategic moves, both CSK and GT will aim for success in upcoming tournaments.