Washington Sundar to join Chennai Super Kings? Ruturaj Gaikwad hints at IPL 2025 mega auction strategy

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad shared a cryptic post featuring young all-rounder Washington Sundar ahead of the five-match T20I series during the Zimbabwe tour. Ruturaj Gaikwad's Instagram post sparked speculation among fans about Washington Sundar joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the skipper of the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gaikwad replaced legendary skipper MS Dhoni at the helm of the five-time IPL champions. However, the new skipper failed to guide Chennai to the playoffs in this year's T20 tournament.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team finished in fifth place in the 10-team table with 14 points. The Chennai-based team secured seven wins out of 14 matches in the league stage. They missed the opportunity to advance to the playoffs after suffering a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their final league game.

Washington Sundar To Join Chennai Super Kings?

Ruturaj Gaikwad will be next seen in action during the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The first T20I of the series between India and Zimbabwe will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on July 6. Opening batter Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team for the first time in his career.

Ahead of the series opener, the Chennai Super Kings skipper shared a picture with Washington Sundar on his official Instagram handle, with the caption "Boys from south." CSK fans speculate that Washington might join the Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Instagram story of Ruturaj Gaikwad:

“Boys from south 💛” pic.twitter.com/OHR7BUzXq5

— Yash (@CSKYash_) July 4, 2024

Washington Sundar Has A Good Opportunity To Impress - Venkatapathy Raju

Former National Selector SL Venkatapathy Raju stated that Washington Sundar had a chance to make an impact during the Zimbabwe tour. Raju mentioned that Washington Sundar can earn the second spinner's position with Ravindra Jadeja's retirement from T20Is.

“With Jadeja’s retirement from the shortest format, Axar with his all-round ability will automatically be the first choice spinner. Plus India can no longer play three left-arm spinners as there is none (third spinner) who can walk into the team. So Washington has a good opportunity to impress and try to get the second spinner’s spot,” said Venkatapathy Raju.

“He is now back as part of the India squad against Zimbabwe and if he works on his fitness and stays injury-free, he will get a lot more opportunities to play for India as there is no doubt about his talent and potential,” Raju added.

Washington previously featured regularly in India's white-ball setup but faced setbacks due to injuries. Sundar returned to the squad for the Zimbabwe series. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be ahead in the spin-bowling pecking order. Washington is one of the few viable off-spin options in India at present.

The 24-year-old spinner had a limited role with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) during IPL 2024. The all-rounder spent most of his time on the bench and struggled when he did get opportunities to play. Additionally, there are doubts about his batting development in white-ball cricket over recent years.

Also read: Revealed: What did PM Narendra Modi tell Rohit Sharma in the confidential meeting?