Chennai Super Kings have been yearning for a trade deal, and they have finally reached one, but it is not for wicketkeeper batting Sanju Samson. CSK has reached an agreement with Gujarat Titans to exchange Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement in IPL 2026.
Chennai Super Kings and Ravichandran Ashwin made a mutual decision to part ways after the 2025 IPL season, where Ashwin returned to the franchise from where he had started his campaign in the IPL. He was bought by the Super Kings for a whopping sum of INR 9.75 crores.
CSK completes trade deal between Washington Sundar and Gujarat Titans
Ever since Ashwin left CSK playing in the XI, they have been on the lookout for an all-rounder of his stature. The best one could be Ashwin’s replacement in Team India, Washington Sundar, and Chennai just got the right deal.
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Chennai Super Kings opted for Washington Sundar and agreed an all-cash deal with Gujarat Titans for a pre-season swap.Gujarat The Titans might also be looking for a mid-level versatile player, and the arrival of big Cameron Green in the mini-auction suggests an opening for them..
Gujarat Titans had got their hands on the all-rounder in the mega auction for a price of INR 3.0.20 Crore and would make a significant profit from the sale of the player in a trade deal with the Super Kings. Sundar batted in 5 innings, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 166.25, and picked 2 wickets with the ball.
🚨 Washington Sundar exchanges with CSK 🚨
– Chennai Super Kings have picked Washington Sundar as R Ashwin’s replacement and contacted GT management for a swap. The Gujarat Titans management is said to have agreed to exchange Washington Sundar for an all-cash deal. [Tamil Samayam] pIc.twItter.com/vOhws0ShUnt
– Ahmed says (@AhmedGT_) Ohctober 22, 2025
Sundar to team up with Ravindra Jadeja for CSK after duo’s magnificent show for India
At this point, Washington Sundar would like to stay with the Gujarat Titans; however, since the Titans agreed to the trade, he will have to be released. However, given Sundar’s recent antics in international cricket and his growing importance in the Indian side, Washington Sundar could represent a big-money move for the mini-auction.
Chennai Super Kings showed their dominance at the top of the order, with the arrival of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. What they would need is a striker to add depth to their batting alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube.
The two Indian all-rounders played a stunning hand with both bat and ball for India in Test cricket and will now team up for the first time in the IPL for CSK. Sundar, who hails from Tamil Nadu, is well aware of the conditions and he will no longer be on the bench in the Chennai camp as Chepauk often requires additional all-rounders.
Does Sundar deal mean CSK is no longer interested in Sanju Samson deal?
Chennai seemed interested in Sanju Samson’s deal with Rajasthan Royals as they had also initiated talks with the IPL franchise. However, it was reported that the Royals made an unfair offer on the Samson deal which the Super Kings were unable to accept.
With the inclusion of Washington Sundar in the CSK side, this could indicate that CSK is no longer looking for a Sanju Samson swap. Even if they are considering bringing in the wicketkeeper, it would be only after he is released by the Royals for the mini-auction.
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