The IPL 2026 mini-auction is still some time away, but trade rumors are already swirling. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made an all-cash offer to Gujarat Titans (GT) for Washington Sundar.
If the deal goes through, it would be a homecoming for Sundar.
After Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, CSK desperately needs a spin-bowling all-rounder. Sundar, a Tamil Nadu boy, knows the Chepauk pitch well.
GT acquired him for ₹3.20 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, but he played only six matches this season.
Robin Uthappa’s Opinion
Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa spoke on the trade news on his YouTube channel.
He said that Sundar is often overlooked, despite his strength in both batting and bowling.
Uthappa’s full statement reads: “I like Washi there. I think Washi is a very underrated player. He is underused, undervalued, and one can only hope he gets the right role there. He could play as a finisher or even bat in the middle order. The funny thing about Washi is that he can bat up the order too.”
Uthappa believes that if CSK gives Sundar a clear batting role, he can shine. In IPL 2025, Sundar scored 135 runs in five innings, at a strike rate of 166.25, and took two wickets in two matches.
Overall, he has 511 runs and 39 wickets in 66 IPL matches.
Uthappa also praised GT’s strategy, saying: “GT is very clear about who they want. They are a horse-for-courses kind of franchise with set templates.”
Why could a trade happen? Benefits for Both Teams
If this trade goes through, GT will receive a purse value of ₹3.20 crore, allowing them to target big players in the mini-auction. For CSK, this deal is part of a rebuilding effort, as they finished at the bottom of the table in the 2025 season.
Ashwin scored just 33 runs and took 7 wickets in 9 matches before retiring. Sundar’s hitting power and off-spin could provide balance to CSK.
Reports suggest that GT has accepted CSK’s offer, but some sources are confused. According to a Cricbuzz report, the deal was stalled a few weeks ago because GT head coach Ashish Nehra flatly refused.
Nehra said: “There’s no truth in these reports. Washington Sundar is an integral part of our setup, and we’re looking forward to seeing him perform in IPL 2026.”
Washington Sundar himself broke his silence on the trade rumors. He said he wasn’t aware of any discussions. Fans are excited by this, as Sundar playing at Chepauk will be an emotional moment.
The trade window is currently open, and the battle for IPL 2026 is intensifying. Players like Washington Sundar are in the spotlight.
