Ashish Nehra shut down all rumours about Washington Sundar moving to the Chennai Super Kings completely. The Gujarat Titans head coach made it clear that GT won’t trade Sundar to CSK period. CSK wanted Sundar to replace Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from IPL cricket after a long career there.
Why Did CSK Want Washington Sundar?
CSK lost their main spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after he hung up his IPL boots recently. The franchise desperately needs a quality spinner who can bat decently in the middle order too. Washington Sundar fits that role perfectly, being a local Chennai boy who knows the Chepauk pitch.
Reports claimed CSK held talks with GT about a cash deal bringing Sundar to the yellow jersey. Those discussions never happened, according to Ashish Nehra, who denied everything, according to the reports. GT bought Sundar for INR 3.20 crore but he played only 6 matches last season.
Ashish Nehra Values Sundar Highly
Nehra rates Sundar’s abilities very highly despite his limited game time in IPL 2025, as shown. The coach believes Sundar deserves more opportunities to prove himself at the Gujarat Titans moving forward next season. Sundar could have asked GT to release him if he wanted to leave badly somewhere else.
But Nehra convinced him to stay with the Gujarat Titans building something special together as a team. Sundar’s recent performances in Hobart showed he’s worth way more than the INR 3.20 crore paid. His market value has shot up after dominating matches with bat and ball both recently.
What Happens to Sundar Now?
Sundar stays with the Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026 after Nehra firmly rejected CSK’s interest. GT might renegotiate his salary since INR 3.20 crore doesn’t reflect his current abilities anymore. CSK must look elsewhere for their spinning all-rounder replacement after Ashwin retires from the IPL.
Sundar gets another chance to prove himself at GT, where he barely played last season. Ashish Nehra’s faith in him could help Sundar become a regular starter finally playing consistently. The trade rumours are dead now with GT keeping their talented all-rounder for the upcoming season.
