The IPL 2026 mini-auction is already heating up, and one of the most intriguing developments involves Washington Sundar. According to Samayam Tamil, the Chennai Super Kings have reportedly approached the Gujarat Titans with an all-cash offer for the spin-bowling all-rounder.
While nothing is confirmed yet, the potential move has sparked reactions - including from former India batter Robin Uthappa, who believes Sundar has been underutilized in recent seasons.
Add AllSportsPeople as a preferred news source
Robin Uthappa believes Washington Sundar has been underused in IPL
Reacting to the trade reports on his YouTube channel, Uthappa said Sundar has often been overlooked despite his all-round skills. He felt CSK could bring out the best in the Tamil Nadu cricketer if they gave him a defined role in the batting order.
"I like Washi there. I think Washi is a very underrated player. He is underused, undervalued, and one can only hope he gets the right role there. He could go in as a finisher or even bat in the middle order. The funny thing about Washi is that he can bat up the order too," Uthappa said.
Sundar, bought by GT for ₹3.20 crore at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, had a modest season with 135 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 166.25 and two wickets in as many matches. Uthappa said that GT's interest in an all-cash deal likely reflects their clear, data-driven team strategy.
"GT are very clear about who they want. They are a horses-for-courses kind of franchise with set templates," he said.
Reports suggest GT could be freeing up purse value to target specific players at the mini-auction. Sundar has played in 66 IPL matches so far, scoring 511 runs and taking 39 wickets.
If the trade does go through, the 26-year-old's move to CSK could mark a fresh chapter in his career - one where his all-round talent might finally find its full expression.