NEW DELHI: It's that time of the year again when speculation begins to swirl around IPL retentions - which players teams will release and who the franchises are eager to bring on board for the next season.
In a significant development, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly looking to rope in Washington Sundar as a potential replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of IPL 2026.
With Ashwin parting ways with the IPL, CSK are on the lookout for a suitable replacement. According to Tamil Samayam, the franchise has set its sights on Sundar and has already opened talks with the Gujarat Titans (GT) for a potential trade. The report adds that GT have agreed to release Sundar without attaching any conditions.
Ishan Kishan on MI’s radar again as franchise seeks wicketkeeper upgrade
Although Sundar showed promise, he struggled to secure a regular spot in Gujarat's playing XI last season, featuring in just six matches. He bowled 65 deliveries, claiming two wickets, and scored 133 runs at a strike rate of 166.25, averaging 26. Signed by Gujarat for Rs 3.2 crore last season, Sundar is expected to command the same fee in the trade to CSK.
CSK, while aiming to build a young and long-term core, had previously invested in experienced players such as Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, and Ashwin - none of whom were able to make a significant impact. Their underwhelming performances contributed to growing fan dissatisfaction, which was reflected in a decline in viewership and engagement.
In response, CSK management is reportedly planning to part ways with several underperforming senior players ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. Notably, Ashwin announced his retirement before the franchise officially released him.
