Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have once again found themselves at a critical inflection point Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026with the legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Announcing his retirement from IPL, the five-time champion is looking for a worthy replacement who can carry on his spin legacy in Chepauk.
Chennai Super Kings has started the search for Ravichandran Ashwin’s successor.
According to the report of Tamil Samayam, CSK has its eyes set on the promising all-rounder from India. washington beautifulcurrently with Gujarat TitansThe franchise is known for banking on spin depth and local talent, making Sundar a natural fit for their tactical framework. Although trade talks have reportedly taken place between CSK and GT, confusion remains after Sundar himself claimed that he was unaware of any such discussions.
As Chennai prepares for another season of strategy and rebuilding, all eyes are on whether the yellow brigade can successfully secure the dynamic all-rounder to fill the void left by one of their greatest spinners. The report further states that, CSK have started formal discussions with Gujarat regarding a trade for Washington Sundar. GT is believed to have agreed to release the all-rounder without any stringent conditions, making the move seem imminent.
Ashwin clarifies position on Washington Sundar’s IPL 2026 deal with CSK
However, Ashwin himself revealed in a YouTube interaction that Sundar was unaware of any such trade when the two spoke recently. “I called Washington Sundar and spoke to him. ‘I don’t know anything about that business. The franchises haven’t said anything to me. I’m happy with GT; my cricket has developed a lot here,'” Vashi said. Ashwin revealed.
Despite its uncertainty, Sundar’s potential addition to CSK makes perfect strategic sense. His economical off-spin, coupled with his ability to contribute valuable runs in the lower middle order, meshes seamlessly with Chennai’s philosophy of fielding multi-utility players. Having scored over 130 runs and taken important wickets in just five matches for GT last season, Sundar’s versatility could make him the centerpiece of CSK’s new spin attack. With accuracy and finesse being demanded on the turning pitches of Chepauk, CSK sees Sundar as the ideal candidate to carry forward the legacy of Tamil Nadu’s most successful spinner.
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Ashwin’s IPL departure and the end of CSK’s great chapter
Ashwin’s decision to retire from the IPL marks the end of an illustrious journey that started with CSK in 2009 and lasted for over a decade. Rejoining the franchise in 2025 after nine long years, Ashwin took seven wickets in nine matches at an average of 40.42. Although the numbers don’t really capture his impact, his tactical presence and mentoring role proved vital in guiding CSK’s young bowlers.
Rumors previously linked him to a possible trade sanju samsonBut his retirement made those speculations futile. Following his departure, Ashwin became the first Indian player to register for Australia Big Bash League (BBL)Which marks a new chapter in his cricket career. However, his exit has created a leadership void in CSK’s spin department, with the management finding it difficult to identify someone capable of maintaining their spin-rich identity at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The team’s success in home conditions has always revolved around quality spin bowling, making Ashwin’s absence a significant concern ahead of the new season.
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