Recent reports continue to link the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a potential trade for Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder Washington Sundar. CSK is on the hunt for top talent to replace outgoing players ahead of IPL 2026.
Star players like Ambati Rayudu, Ravichandran Ashwin, and others have left the franchise in recent seasons. Filling up such positions will require top talent from other franchises to bolster their ranks before another challenging IPL campaign.
Ashwin Reveals Sundar’s Comments on Potential CSK Switch
Former CSK bowler Ravichandran Ashwin recently spoke to Sundar amid his reported transfer to the Chennai franchise. Ashwin revealed that Sundar currently has no knowledge of such a transfer. He also said Sundar expressed his commitment to GT for now before the auction season begins:
“I called Washington Sundar and spoke to him. Washi said, ‘I don’t know anything about that trade. The franchise hasn’t communicated anything to me. I’m happy with GT; my cricket has grown a lot here,” the former CSK star revealed to fans via his YouTube channel.
Why Does CSK Need a Player Like Washington Sundar?
Poor run of form in recent seasons
CSK’s IPL 2024 and 2025 seasons did not go as planned. The franchise struggled to assert a dominant approach that led to five (5) IPL titles in India’s top-flight limited-overs league.
Search for younger talent
Several players are likely to leave the franchise through contract releases or retirement. CSK needs younger players who can fill in specific positions within the franchise as they seek more silverware.
Older players who gave the franchise several memorable moments are no longer able to perform at the top level. Seeking talented players at the right age makes Sundar a top pick for potential CSK swap at auction.
Player profile
CSK’s past squads usually boasted one or more capable all-rounders with impressive spin ability. Players within CSK’s ranks now look out of sorts in most departments, and it was evident in their poor IPL 2025 finish.
The franchise urgently seeks top talent to revamp their campaigns, particularly in the top and lower order. Sundar’s profile suits CSK’s historical squad build with his capable off-spin and occasional batting abilities.
Sundar can tidy overs in power-plays (Overs 1 to 6) and is a seasoned player when late runs are needed. CSK could get a comprehensive package in one player if Sundar decides to make the switch.
Why Washington Sundar May Not Be the Best Fit for CSK?
Poor Chepauk wicket-taking record
Sundar does not boast a convincing tally of wickets at Chepauk in his IPL career. The cricketer has only 2 wickets at CSK’s home ground with an unremarkable average at 35.
Middle order needs
CSK may run a successful IPL 2026 campaign with few additions to their middle order. Sundar may not be the ideal candidate in that regard, and may inform CSK’s decision to seek other players at auction.
Price tag
CSK have a heavy purse to spend on all players, but the franchise may be unwilling to spend hefty sums on a single transfer. Sundar will command a huge auction fee to switch from GT to CSK, and the cost of his transfer may alter the latter’s trade strategy.
Washington Sundar IPL Stats
Batting and Fielding Stats by Season
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
| 2017 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 5* | 9.00 | 12 | 75.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 3 | 65 | 35 | 21.66 | 38 | 171.05 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0.50 | 3 | 33.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 | 15 | 3 | 111 | 30 | 18.50 | 95 | 116.84 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 | 0 | 31 | 10 | 7.75 | 47 | 65.95 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 0 | 101 | 40 | 14.43 | 69 | 146.38 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 1 | 60 | 24* | 15.00 | 60 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | 133 | 49 | 26.60 | 80 | 166.25 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Career | 66 | 13 | 511 | 49 | 15.97 | 405 | 126.17 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 16 | 15 | 0 |
Bowling Stats by Season
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | WKTS | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
| 2017 | 11 | 180 | 185 | 8 | 3/16 | 23.12 | 6.16 | 22.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 120 | 192 | 4 | 2/22 | 48.00 | 9.60 | 30.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 54 | 74 | 4 | 3/24 | 18.50 | 8.22 | 13.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 15 | 300 | 298 | 8 | 2/16 | 37.25 | 5.96 | 37.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 | 96 | 118 | 3 | 1/7 | 39.33 | 7.37 | 32.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 9 | 168 | 239 | 6 | 2/21 | 39.83 | 8.54 | 28.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 106 | 146 | 3 | 3/28 | 48.67 | 8.26 | 35.33 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 30 | 73 | 1 | 1/46 | 73.00 | 14.60 | 30.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 6 | 65 | 111 | 2 | 1/28 | 55.50 | 10.25 | 32.50 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 66 | 1119 | 1436 | 39 | 3/16 | 36.82 | 7.70 | 28.69 | 0 | 0 |
