CSK snubs Sanju Samson, finalizes Indian all-rounder trade following Ravichandran Ashwin's exit
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The Chennai Super Kings have been longing for a trade deal, and they have finally locked one, but it's not for wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson. CSK has locked a deal with the Gujarat Titans to trade in Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar as Ravichandran Ashwin's replacement in IPL 2026.
The Chennai Super Kings and Ravichandran Ashwin took a mutual decision to part ways after the IPL 2025 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 INR 9.75 Crores.
CSK locks trade deal of Washington Sundar with the Gujarat Titans
Ever since Ashwin departed from the CSK playing XI, they have been in search of an all-rounder of his stature. The best could be Ashwin's Team India replacement, Washington Sundar, and Chennai has just got the right deal.
Chennai Super Kings settled for Washington Sundar and have landed an all-cash deal with the Gujarat Titans for a trade in the pre-season. Gujarat Titans might also be in their quest for a middle-order all-rounder, and the arrival of big Cameron Green in the mini-auction suggests an opening for them.
The Gujarat Titans had bagged the all-rounder in the mega-auction for a price of INR 3.20 Crore and would be making a large profit from the sale of the player in a trade 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 trade to CSK 🚨
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) October 22, 2025
- Chennai Super Kings has choosen Washington Sundar as R Ashwin replacement, and has contact GT management for a trade. It is said that Gujarat Titans management has agreed to trade Washington Sundar for an all cash deal. [Tamil Samayam] pic.twitter.com/vOws0ShUnt
Sundar to pair along with Ravindra Jadeja for CSK after the duo's magnificent show for India
At this point, Washington Sundar would want to stay at the Gujarat Titans; however, since the Titans have agreed to the trade, he will have to be released. However, considering Sundar's recent antics in international cricket and his growing prominence in the Indian side, Washington Sundar could be a big budget move going into the mini-auction.
Chennai Super Kings have shown dominance at the top of the order, with the coming of Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. What they would need is a batter to add depth to their batting alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube.
The two spin all-rounders from India have played a stunning hand with both bat and ball for India in Test cricket and will now pair 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 benched in the Chennai camp, as Chepauk often demands additional all-rounders.
Does the Sundar deal mean CSK is no longer interested in the Sanju Samson deal?
Chennai looked interested in the Sanju Samson deal with the Rajasthan Royals, as they had also initiated talks with the IPL franchise. However, it was reported that the Royals made an unfair offer over the Samson deal to which the Super Kings could not agree.
With Washington Sundar's inclusion in the CSK side, this might be an indication that CSK is no longer looking for a Sanju Samson trade. Even if they consider bringing in the wicket-keeper, then it would be only after he is released by the Royals into the mini-auction.
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