Washington Sundar backstabbed by Gujarat Titans after blocking CSK move

Gujarat Titans are not going for a major reshuffling at the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. However, there is something brewing between Washington Sundar and the Gujarat Titans ahead of the retentions.

With the IPL 2026 auction set to take place next month in Abu Dhabi, the Gujarat Titans have made it clear that they want to keep their core intact and avoid unnecessary changes. Both GT captain Shubman Gill and head coach Ashish Nehra have agreed that the squad already has the balance they need, and only key upgrades are planned.

Gujarat Titans back their core, give Washington Sundar a bigger role in IPL 2026

The biggest development inside the GT camp is the rise of Washington Sundar. The Titans team management has decided to hand the 26-year-old all-rounder a far bigger role from next season. They have decided to play Sundar regularly at No. 4 in the IPL 2026.

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Sundar got only six matches last season despite the franchise buying the Indian all-rounder for ₹3.2 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Impact Player rule has hurt Washington Sundar's chances across teams for three straight years, keeping him off the field often.

Between IPL 2023 and 2024 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sundar played only nine games. But everything has changed in the past few months. His stock has shot up rapidly, and he is now seen as one of the rare Indian players who can earn a spot in all three formats purely for either his batting or bowling. Sundar’s recent performances have pushed him into a new category.

GT block CSK’s all-cash trade move after Washington Sundar becomes rare for India

The Indian all-rounder played all the ODIs on the Australia tour and produced important breakthroughs. But it was Washington Sundar’s explosive, unbeaten 49 off 23 balls in the Hobart T20I that truly stunned everyone and showed how much firepower he carries with the bat.

The Indian cricket team management now considers Sundar among the few automatic picks in all three formats of the game. Recognizing this value, the Gujarat Titans quickly shut down the Chennai Super Kings’ attempt to trade for him, even though CSK reportedly offered an all-cash deal.

With Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler forming a strong and stable top three, Sundar stepping in at No. 4 could finally solve GT’s long-standing middle-order problem. The GT may not make noise at the IPL 2026 auction table, but their internal strategy hints at a bold and confident plan for the next edition of the tournament.

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Mumbai Indians bring back Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans for the IPL 2026

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have pulled off one of the most exciting moves of the pre-IPL 2026 window by bringing West Indies power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford back into their camp.

The explosive all-rounder has officially been traded in from the Gujarat Titans, and he will join the Mumbai Indians at the same fee of INR 2.6 crore that GT paid for him at the mega auction.

The 27-year-old has already played 44 T20Is for the West Indies and is known for turning games with his fearless hitting. In the IPL, Rutherford has featured in 23 matches so far. He represented the Delhi Capitals in 2019, then moved to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022.

The West Indies star was part of the Mumbai Indians before in 2020 and later joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 and then GT in 2025.