The former star of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mohammad Kaif, has questioned the role of India’s off-spinner, Washington Sundar, after the latter was not given a full role with both bat and ball in any of the first two ODIs in Ranchi and Raipur. As the management favors the all-rounder, Sundar has had chances regularly.

Kaif, who was part of India’s 2002 winning squad of the Asia Cup, slammed the inclusion of the Tamil Nadu spinner, stating that he is not even half of the former spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, when it comes to spin skills.

See Also: Shai Hope’s 140 and Justin Greaves' 202* save West Indies in 1st NZ vs WI Test in Christchurch

“The management can answer what Washington's role is. He is not even half of Ashwin if we talk about skills as a spinner. Even in Tests and ODIs, under different captains, not one but all of them have not given him full overs. When the game is tight, they go to Jadeja and Kuldeep. There is no trust that he can pick wickets at any stage, like how it is with Kuldeep. He will have to work a lot on his bowling.” Kaif expressed on his YouTube channel.

Mohammad Kaif blames Indian management for Washington Sundar’s role in IND vs SA ODI series

India won the opening game in Ranchi by a narrow margin of 17 runs as the Proteas kept losing wickets regularly. But in the second encounter, the visitors displayed a clinical batting performance to level the series at 1-1.

“First of all, his wicket-taking ability is less, and now you want Sundar to bat and are just putting more pressure on him. It is like he is neither a bowler nor a batter. Make him do one thing and give him a clear role. He can play the role of Axar in batting in the middle. That is fine. But his main role is bowling.” Kaif addressed.

“Batting is a bonus. But if his bowling gets bad, which is evident as they are not giving overs, he will go further behind in bowling. He will have to work on his skills and variations as a bowler. If he wants to play longer for India, he has to improve his bowling.” The former RCB batter addressed.

While the Indian spinners dominated in the Carrara T20I against the hosts Australia, the off-spinner Washington Sundar ended Australia's final hope in the match, as the visitors comfortably pocketed the game to take the series in an unbeatable position. 

After Australia sent the visitors to bat first in the fourth T20I of the five-match series, where the series was at 1-1 level, India scored 167/8 in 20 overs. While the Aussies were battling at 91/3, they faced a massive batting collapse, as there was no strong answer from the hosts in the late innings.

Washington Sundar was introduced with the ball for the first time in the series during the 17th over of the innings, when Australia were struggling at 114/6, as struggling Marcus Stoinis was the major final hope for the hosts.

[WATCH] Shivam Dube picks up massive wicket of Tim David during AUS vs IND 4th T20I

Washington Sundar took two wickets in two balls in his first over of this T20I series

In his first over of the series, Sundar took two wickets in two successive deliveries, as he dismissed Stoinis (17) through an lbw and then caught & bowled Xavier Bartlett (0) on the very next ball. With those two wickets, Sundar completed his 50 T20I wickets in 53 innings. It was enough to end the final hope for Australia, who were ultimately bundled out for 119 runs in 18.2 overs, as Sundar took another wicket to end the game. 

#WashingtonSundar's quickfire spell earns him three crucial wickets as #TeamIndia bag a 2-1 lead in the #AUSvIND series. 💪#AUSvIND 👉 5th T20I | SAT, 8 NOV LIVE on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/NuXMUtgDbf

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 6, 2025

Washington Sundar's 3/3 entered record book

At the end of the match, Sundar had the incredible bowling figures of 1.2-0-3-3. It was the second-best T20I bowling figures by any spinner in Australia. The left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya holds the record for the best T20I bowling figures by a spinner in Australia with 4-0-36-4 against the hosts during the 2018 Sydney T20I. Sundar also recorded the second-best T20I bowling figures by an Indian in Australia, as Krunal Pandya holds this record.  

A heartbreaking update for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans. A trade, which was supposed to be accomplished ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, reportedly collapsed. According to the latest updates, a possible deal between Gujarat Titans (GT) and CSK may not happen to finalize. 

A few days ago, it was heavily believed that CSK found a suitable replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to pursue his franchise career in overseas leagues, in the form of Washington Sundar—a spin-bowling all-rounder to replace another spin-bowling all-rounder. With an almost similar playing profile, Sundar was looking like the perfect candidate to fill the void created by the former India international. 

It was previously reported that CSK was all set to go all out to secure the service of Washington Sundar. During a live chat session, Ravichandran Ashwin himself hinted about the possible move by the Chennai Super Kings. But now, the scenario is looking completely different.

Read More: WATCH: Harmanpreet Kaur's father lifts her like small child in joy after winning Women's World Cup 2025

Chennai Super Kings hopes to get Washington Sundar on board for IPL 2026 might be over

According to the latest updates, GT denied the proposal of Super Kings for trading out Sundar ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. It is now believed that GT coach Asish Nehra refused to let Washington Sundar out. Nehra clearly expressed the decision to the Gujarat Titans management, and then GT management passed the decision to the CSK management. Thus, it is now considered that the possible deal between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans for Washington Sundar is unlikely to happen. 

For Sundar, IPL 2025 was not the best season for him. He went to play in only 6 matches that season and failed to make any positive impact on the team's overall performance. Unlike his IPL performance, the all-rounder has been brilliant for Team India since the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. Against Australia, in a T20I match at the Ninja stadium, the 26-year-old played a match-winning knock as well.

The two most discussed trade rumors of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 are not anticipated to take place. The reports have claimed that Gujarat Titans’ Washington Sundar is not going back to his domestic home for the Chennai Super Kings, while KL Rahul’s potential move to the Kolkata Knight Riders is highly unlikely to happen, even if it’s not dead yet.

The thought of Sundar moving to Chennai flowed through a YouTube video as many believed the Indian spin all-rounder could replace the veteran Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the league a few months ago. However, the head coach of the Titans, India's Ashish Nehra, refused to entertain and give life to the thought of trading the Tamil Nadu player.

See Also: Afghanistan to end head coach Jonathan Trott’s tenure post this ICC event

Nehra’s decision came the evening after Sundar smashed a fine, undefeated knock of 49 runs against Australia in Hobart as the GT management made it clear that they don’t have any intention of parting with a player they have invested heavily in. Sundar came to GT for INR 3.2 crore at the last mega auction, but he featured in only six IPL games last season.

Washington Sundar to stay in GT; KL Rahul unlikely to sign for KKR

For the wicket-keeper batter, Rahul has always been an open card for the Knight Riders. He will be a massive solution to the side, giving the options of opening batter, captain, and wicket-keeper batter. Both Rahul and Sanju Samson are fit for the role, but the decisions have been made over two premium players.

KKR is not prepared to part with any of their premium assets- Varun Chakravarthy and Rinku Sungh- in exchange for Rahul or Samson. In that case, Rahul is unlikely to move out of the Delhi Capitals. However, there is a contrasting situation between the Rajasthan Royals and Delhi over the trading of Samson.

The Kerala batter has smashed 4704 runs in 172 innings at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04 with 26 half-centuries and three centuries. He was part of the Delhi side for two seasons in 2016 and 2017. One of the DC sources through reports claimed that they would have no interest in releasing a marquee player. The final decision on the trade remains with the franchise.

India bounced back in the ongoing 5-match T20I series by winning the third match (AUS vs IND 3rd T20I) at the Ninja stadium. Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma's flamboyant batting confirm the win for the touring side. 

Toss and the first innings: 

After a long time, India, in this match, won the toss and decided to bowl first. For this game, India made multiple changes in the playing XI. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh proved instantly effective as he picked up the wickets of Travis Head and Josh Inglis without wasting any time. In the match, the pacer got 3 wickets to his name and was named the best player of the match. 

Tim David emerged as the main hurdle for the Indian bowling department. The right-handed batter played a cracking 74-run innings before losing his scalp against Shivam Dube. Tilak Varma took an extraordinary catch near the boundary rope, at the long-off region, to get rid of the swashbuckling batter. Marcus Stoinis also was in good touch, scoring 64 off 39. Arshedeep cleared him from the track through a caught and bowled process. With the power-pack knocks from Head and Stoinis, Australia registered 186 runs in the first innings. 

Australia: Australia · 186/6 (20)

Read More: WATCH: Tim David out as Tilak Varma takes spectacular catch during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I

Second Innings: 

The match in the second innings became more thrilling when India lost 4 wickets for 111 runs on the scoreboard. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav went off to a promising start but were not able to convert their innings for a long run. Australia, without the service of Josh Hazlewood, tried to bowl according to their plan and was looking good until Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma walked into the middle. With 9 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand, India won the match. Sundar and Sharma remained unbeaten for 49 and 22, respectively. 

India: 188/5 (18.3)

At the age of 36, Virat Kohli took a stunning catch during the Australia vs India 3rd ODI (AUS vs IND 3rd ODI) match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The catch was the proof of his unmatchable fitness and fielding techniques. The crowd at the stadium were on their feet to celebrate the jaw-dropping moment. 

Matthew Short was batting well and was a well-set batter on the track. He gained the required momentum to create the momentum-shifting innings. When he saw a flighted delivery around the middle, he couldn't resist going for a big hit. That was a trap from Team India, a well-set trap indeed, and it worked properly. 

For the third delivery of the 23rd over of the first innings, Washington Sundar offered the right-handed batter a flighted delivery, full and around the middle stump. Matt chose to play a powerful sweep shot to send the ball towards the boundary rope. He made the right connection; the ball got enough pace to go to the boundary line. But the Aussie batter made a mistake, the ball was in the air, and Virat Kohli was on its path. 

Read More: [WATCH] Shreyas Iyer's fabulous catch dismisses Alex Carey during AUS vs IND 3rd ODI

Virat Kohli takes a high-speed catch in Sydney vs Australia

 

 

 

 

 

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The ball travels at the speed of light towards the square leg area. Kohli shows sharp reflexes to crouch low, lean back with a stable base, and grab it with a reverse cup right in front of his face. Matthew Short had to depart for a well-made 30 off 41 with a couple of boundaries. Australia lost their 3rd wicket in the form of Matt Short when the team total was 124. The batter was visibly disappointed after the dismissal. 

The winner of the 3-match ODI series between India and Australia was already decided before the last match. Australia won in two back-to-back matches and clinched the series before stepping into the Sydney Cricket Ground. For India, it is a prestige fight. Like the previous two matches, all eyes are on Virat and Rohit Sharma. In two consecutive games, Virat went back to the dugout without scoring a single run. There are speculations over his international career as well. It is now heavily believed that it is the last Australia tour with team India for Virat Kohli before signing off from the ODI format as well. 

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. 

Read More: [WATCH] No handshake with Pakistan continues post Asia Cup 2025 as India captain refuses pre-match gesture

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. 

Washington Sundar broke into the Test side with his seven-wicket haul last year in Pune against New Zealand, when he came into the squad while playing the Ranji Trophy and left a mark. He flew to Australia and England with the national side and earned success, especially with the bat, as the memorable century came during the fourth game in Manchester.

However, he didn’t get any wickets during the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. On a surface where Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav shared nine wickets between them, Sundar struggled with his line and length. Moreover, he couldn’t get the ball at the right pace off his hands.

See Also: [WATCH] Shubman Gill's terrific catch makes Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s dismissal during IND vs WI 2nd Test

However, he bowled a dream delivery at the strike of Tea to dismiss Alick Athanze for seven runs. The ball pitched into the leg side, drawing the left-handed batter into the shot before changing its angle and nailing the top of the off-stump, as the batter’s shocking look was proof of how classical the ball was.

Watch: Washington Sundar’s superb delivery dismissed Alick Athanaze during IND vs WI 2nd Test

Earlier, India had got the wicket of Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 10 runs when Mohammed Siraj went short at the batter, who was late on the pull shot and wasn’t fully committed. Shubman Gill, standing at the mid-on region, took a few steps on his left and kept his eyes on the ball to collect a fine catch to draw first blood.

Drift drags Athanaze’s bat towards leg. Creates a gap for the ball to spin across the LHB and onto the stumps. Brilliant bowling from Washington Sundar. He keeps doing it! pic.twitter.com/E0Sy9WQWr6

— Amar Sohal (@sohalamarsingh) October 12, 2025

In the first innings, it was Kuldeep Yadav’s firing bowling as his fine figures of 5/82 helped to bundle out the Caribbean side for 248 runs to earn a lead of 270 runs. Along with him, Ravindra Jadeja was excellent on the second day with his three wickets.

India’s captain and the management decided to enforce the follow-on as they aimed to pick a few more wickets to push for an early finish in the encounter. Jadeja and Siraj started the second innings’ bowling, with Kuldeep yet to get his introduction into the attack.

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar gave India an important breakthrough after Lunch by dismissing Alick Athanaze (38 off 74) with a smart return catch. Athanaze attempted to direct the ball to the leg side but got a leading edge that allowed Sundar to react quickly and dive to his right and take an excellent catch. It lifted the Indian team, who were already in command of the match in Ahmedabad.

India declared their first innings at 448/5 to end up with a lead of 286 over the West Indies. Dhruv Jurel scored 125, while Ravindra Jadeja finished on 104 and KL Rahul got 100. The Indian captain decided to declare at the start of Day 3 to make full use of the helpful bowling conditions.

Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers maintained complete control. The spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, troubled the Windies batters and shared four wickets between them. West Indies struggled to build any big partnership, and just when Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves tried to steady the innings, Washington Sundar’s clever bowling broke their stand.

Sundar’s Smart Bowling Puts India on Top

In 35.3 overs, Washington Sundar bowled a full delivery on the off stump that straightened after pitching. Athanaze tried to flick it through the leg side but played too early, sending the ball up in the air. Sundar moved across and caught it safely with one hand, completing a fine return catch. The wicket put India even closer to victory in the first Test.

Watch the video here

7 DOWN! ⬇️❤️🔥#WashingtonSundar finds the leading edge and #AlickAthanaze can only watch. Another blow for Windies! 🏟️🙌

Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/lvHQ6SSW3r#INDvWI 1st Test, Day 3 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/PaAikUoKaB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 4, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] Nitish Reddy's flying catch dismisses Tagenarine Chanderpaul during IND vs WI Ahmedabad Test

At the latest update, West Indies are 122/8 in 41.4 overs, still trailing by 164 runs. India need just two wickets to win the Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Kuldeep Yadav has figures of 1/23, while Sundar’s wicket has further strengthened India’s position.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik acknowledged India's remarkable strength in cricket, emphasizing that even established players who have performed extremely well are finding it hard to get into the national team. His comments came after India’s dominant win over Pakistan in their Group A Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Suryakumar Yadav’s side chased down the 128-run target with seven wickets to spare in just 15 overs.

Kartik pointed out how players like Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite their proven talent, missed out on the Asia Cup squad. Sudharsan, the 2025 IPL Orange Cap winner, was one of the most notable omissions. He also highlighted how Punjab opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone against Pakistan by smashing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six on the very first ball of the innings.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kartik said, “Just think of the kind of players who are missing out. Somebody like Sai Sudharsan, an Orange cap holder, can’t make the side. Washington Sundar can’t make the side. Ruturaj Gaikwad can’t make the side. Arshdeep Singh can’t make the XI. These are the kind of players you are talking about.”

Kartik on IPL’s Standard vs International Cricket

The former left-arm spinner underlined how India’s fearless approach, especially Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive start, showed the sheer quality in the side. “Just the way they played yesterday. The first ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi is not even a sighter, which Abhishek Sharma needs. He runs down the track. That is the kind of talent you are talking about. Yesterday, India looked possibly the best from the side view. There was no comparison at all,” he said.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: 'Our main concern is the middle overs' – Bangladesh spin consultant flags key challenge ahead of must-win tie vs Afghanistan

Kartik further argued that the Indian Premier League is more competitive than international cricket. “Just think of the number of sides, and this is no disrespect to any side. We talk about international cricket, which means these are countries playing, and you just take the quality of all the IPL sides 1-10. Think of the 10th team, anybody, that is a year that could go wrong for any franchise, but think of the quality in the 10th-placed side that can actually beat most of the international sides. So IPL is a tough gig. It is tougher than international cricket,” he concluded. India have already sealed their Super-Four spot and will face Oman in their last group match on Friday, September 19, in Abu Dhabi.