He Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have found themselves once again at a crucial transition point before Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. With veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Announcing their retirement from the IPL, the five-time champions are looking for a worthy replacement who can maintain their legacy at Chepauk.
Chennai Super Kings begin search for Ravichandran Ashwin’s successor
According to Tamil Samayam, CSK have set their sights on the promising Indian all-rounder Washington Sundarcurrently with Gujarat Titans. The franchise is known for banking on spin depth and home-grown talent, making Sundar a natural fit for their tactical setup. Although trade talks have reportedly taken place between CSK and GT, confusion is still high after Sundar himself claimed that he was not aware of such talks.
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 best spinners. Reports further stated that CSK has started formal talks with Gujarat over a swap for Washington Sundar. GT is believed to have agreed to launch the off-roader without strict conditions, making the move appear imminent.
Ashwin clears the air on Washington Sundar’s IPL 2026 deal with CSK
However, Ashwin himself revealed in a YouTube interaction that Sundar was not aware of any such exchange when the two spoke recently. “I called Washington Sundar and spoke to him. Washi said, ‘I don’t know anything about that trade. The franchise hasn’t communicated anything to me. I’m happy with GT; my cricket has grown a lot here.” Ashwin revealed.
Despite its uncertainty, Sundar’s potential addition to CSK makes perfect tactical sense. His economical effect, combined with his ability to contribute valuable runs in the lower-middle order, aligns perfectly with Chennai’s philosophy of fielding multi-utility players. Having scored over 130 runs and picked crucial wickets in just five appearances for GT last season, Sundar’s versatility could make him the centerpiece of CSK’s revamped spin attack. With Chepauk’s deliveries demanding precision and guile, CSK see Sundar as the ideal candidate to carry on the legacy of Tamil Nadu’s most successful spinner.
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Ashwin’s farewell in IPL and the end of a glorious CSK chapter
Ashwin’s decision to retire from the IPL marks the end of an illustrious journey that began in 2009 with CSK and spanned over a decade of brilliance. Ashwin rejoined the franchise in 2025 after nine long years and featured in nine matches, claiming seven wickets at an average of 40.42. Although the numbers did not truly capture his impact, his tactical presence and mentoring role proved vital in guiding CSK’s younger bowlers.
Rumors had previously linked him to a possible trade involving Sanju Samsonbut his retirement rendered those speculations meaningless. Following his departure, Ashwin became the first Indian player to register for the Australian team. Big Bash League (BBL)symbolizing a new chapter in his cricket career. His exit, however, has created a leadership vacuum in CSK’s publicity department, leaving the management struggling to identify someone capable of maintaining its publicity-rich identity at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The team’s success at home has always revolved around quality spin bowling, making Ashwin’s absence a major concern heading into the new season.
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