Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have set their sights on Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar for the next season ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Chennai Super Kings are reportedly looking to rebuild their all-round department, and MS Dhoni is personally involved in the discussions regarding what kind of player he wants in the team.
MS Dhoni is one of the most successful and respected captains in the world, and has led CSK to five titles in the world’s biggest T20 league. As the retention date of November 15 approaches, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is once again leading the team’s strategy.
MS Dhoni aims to make Washington Sundar CSK’s next big all-round star for IPL 2026
Dhoni, who is known for his calm nature, tactical acumen and sharp cricketing mind, is reportedly keen to bring in a tall off-spinner who can contribute equally with the bat, i.e. a genuine all-rounder like Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya.
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The idea is to have a player who doesn’t need to be used as an impact substitute, but can play a full role in both departments. Washington Sundar fits Dhoni’s criteria perfectly because of his calm nature, consistent bowling and ability to deal with pressure situations.
CSK’s backup plan revealed if Washington Sundar’s deal fails!
However, the Chennai Super Kings think tank is also exploring other options. If a deal for Sundar does not fall through, the five-time champions may turn their attention to Cameron Green, who has already proved his worth in Indian conditions and will be one of the hot properties in the IPL 2026 auction.
The Australian all-rounder was a part of RCB last season, but their purse could not allow them to retain him, and once Green goes into the auction, he will definitely not be available for them. It is being said that many teams including CSK are desperate to sign Cameron Green.
As a backup plan, young Tasmanian all-rounder Mitchell Owen is also being discussed as a potential signing in the CSK camp, given his growing reputation as a reliable seam-bowling all-rounder. Owen, a middle-order batsman and seamer, has already played 14 international games for Australia. However, Owen got a chance to play only one game with Punjab Kings last year.
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Revsportz journalist claims –
Rohit Juglan, a journalist, in his latest YouTube video revealed that Washington Sundar is on CSK’s target list. MS Dhoni wants a player who can bowl, a tall off-spinner who can bat. He wants someone who is a proper all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, who doesn’t need to be an impact player.
Dhoni always wants to have an off-spinner in the team and Sundar fits the bill perfectly. It could be Cameron Green, and if they don’t get him, Mitchell Owen could be an option.
Washington Sundar’s career in statistics
Notably, Sundar has been one of the most impressive players of the IPL, having played 66 matches for 4 teams so far in the league, including the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.
Last season, Sundar managed only 2 wickets and 133 runs in 6 matches for the Titans under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
This Chennai-born all-rounder has taken 511 runs and 39 wickets so far in the IPL. Sundar has also played almost 100 matches for India, taking more than 110 wickets and scoring almost 1300 runs.
