Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finds a proper replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the Indian Premier League ahead of the upcoming 2026 (IPL 2026) season. Ashwin was like a pillar of CSK's bowling and all-round department. Finding a proper replacement in place of him could be a difficult task for them. According to the latest media report, CSK management perhaps found a suitable player in place of Ashwin—a spin-bowling all-rounder in place of another spin-bowling all-rounder.

According to the media report, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans (GT) have agreed to an all-cash deal. If the claims are to be believed, then Washington Sundar is all set to join the multi-time IPL-winning franchise ahead of IPL 2026. 

"Chennai Super Kings has chosen Washington Sundar as R Ashwin's replacement and has contacted GT management for a trade. "It is said that Gujarat Titans management has agreed to trade Washington Sundar for an all-cash deal," the report reads. 

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An all cash deal between GT and CSK ahead of IPL 2026

Washington Sundar was a part of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. But he got only a few matches to show his talent. In the previous IPL campaign, the Chennai-born player played only 6 matches for GT, in which he claimed only a couple of wickets and scored 133 runs. For a prolific all-rounder like him, the stats are far from satisfying. 

After a rock-hard IPL season, CSK is all prepared to reinforce their troop. Along with their batting department, they have to look after their bowling part as well. Washington has been in terrific form for Team India in the recent past. During the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, he proved his talent as well. His batting work down the order can be very useful for Chennai Super Kings.