Chennai Super Kings might be gearing up for a major signing ahead of IPL 2026, Washington Sundar’s homecoming. After a tough 2025 season that saw them finish at the bottom, CSK are expected to make bold moves in the trade window. And this time, it looks like Gujarat Titans’ all-rounder Washington Sundar could be part of their revival plan.
According to reports from Samayam Tamil, the Gujarat Titans are close to completing the Washington Sundar-to-CSK trade for ₹3.2 crore, the same amount they paid for him during the IPL 2025 auction. GT reportedly struggled to get the best out of Sundar, especially his dual role as a powerplay spinner and lower-order hitter. That has opened the door for CSK to swoop in and bring the Tamil Nadu star back home.
Adding more weight to the rumours, a discussion on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel set social media buzzing. One of Ashwin’s close associates, who’s part of the Tamil Nadu Premier League setup with Dindigul Dragons, hinted that the deal is indeed real and already in progress.
He claimed that the information came from within the “Gujarat Tamilians” circle, possibly from players like Sai Sudharsan, R Sai Kishore, Shahrukh Khan, or even Sundar himself. According to him, the trade is “confidential but genuine,” and fans might not have to wait long for an official confirmation.
A post on Reddit also added fuel to the fire. A user quoted the same insider saying that “the Washington Sundar to CSK trade is happening,” calling it a top-secret move known only to a few close to the players. If this turns out to be true, it would be one of the biggest and most emotional transfers of the IPL season, a Chennai-born player returning to represent his home franchise.
Sundar’s Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches Played: 6
- Runs Scored: 133
- Bowling Figure: 10.5 overs, 111 runs, 2 wickets
Also read: IPL 2026 Retention: List of players CSK likely to retain for the upcoming season
Why Washington Sundar to CSK Makes Sense
The logic behind CSK’s move is clear. CSK’s 2025 season was full of close losses. They lost tight games to Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and RCB, matches they could have won if their middle order had scored more runs.
Those narrow defeats hurt, and it’s one of the main reasons they’re now eyeing someone dependable like Washington Sundar. Sundar brings calmness under pressure. He can bowl tight overs in the powerplay and still walk out and score quick runs when needed, exactly the kind of balance CSK have been missing.
The easiest way for the trade to happen is through a cash deal. Chennai can buy Washington Sundar directly from Gujarat Titans without including any other player in the exchange. For Sundar, it would be special to play for his hometown team and perform in front of the Chepauk fans.
Of course, if Gujarat prefer a player exchange, CSK might still be open to it. Someone like Shivam Dube or Sam Curran could be part of the discussion, which would make the deal fair for both teams. The ₹3.2 crore that Gujarat free up could also help them target new signings ahead of the 2026 auction.
Everything points to this move being a win-win. For CSK, it’s about rebuilding their core and adding a homegrown star who fits their system. For Sundar, it’s about returning home and for the fans, it could be the start of another golden chapter at Chepauk.
Written By:- Manjunath S