How Washington Sundar Is The Perfect R Ashwin Replacement In CSK For IPL 2026

Anurag Dasgupta

Ashwin replacement in Sundar [Source: @iplt20.com] Ashwin replacement in Sundar [Source: @iplt20.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin, the wily spinner, decided to shock the world with his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin, a veteran of 221 IPL games represented the Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 edition, but after an underwhelming season for the Super Kings, he decided to retire from the cash-rich league.

  With Ashwin gone, CSK does need a replacement ahead of the next season, and Gujarat Titans all-rounder, Washington Sundar, fits the bill perfectly as a perfect Ashwin replacement.

Washington Sundar numbers in IPL

Criterion
Data
Matches66
Runs scored511
Batting strike rate126.17
Dismissals39
Economy7.70

(Washington Sundar numbers in IPL)

  • 511 runs with a strike rate of 126.17 may not be the most potent numbers for an all-rounder, but one must consider the fact that Washington Sundar has always been under-utilised in the league, and teams have struggled to decode his strengths.
  • Plus, he has 39 wickets, with an economy of just 7.70, which is outstanding, considering the fact that IPL nowadays dish out flat wickets.

Why Washington Sundar might ask for a GT release

Under-utilisation by franchise: Last season, he only played in 6 matches, and was under-utilised as he only bowled 65 deliveries in the league, which is less than 11 overs. It felt like the management showed little trust in his bowling abilities.

GT already have two world-class spinners: In Rashid Khan, and R Sai Kishore, the franchise already has two world-class spinners, and Shubman Gill preferred the duo above Washington. In GT, he is their third-choice spinner, but in CSK, he could be the first choice.

Why Washington Sundar is the perfect R Ashwin replacement in CSK

Like to like replacement: The two players have numerous similarities. Both are from Tamil Nadu, and hence, CSK would almost feel like a home team for Sundar. Just like Ashwin, Washington is an off-break bowler and is street-smart, which could be useful for MS Dhoni’s CSK.

Could be useful as a floater: RR, and then CSK had this obsession of sending Ashwin as a pinch-hitter in IPL matches, when he is clearly better at number 8. If CSK wants to continue the same trend, then Washington is the perfect choice for that role. In the 2025 edition, the youngster had his best season in terms of strike rate (166.25), and could be used as a floater if CSK feel they need to shift from their original game-plan.

Understanding the conditions: Since Washington is the local boy, he understands the pitch behaviour at the Chidambaram Stadium, and the all-rounder has a brilliant economy of just 7.24 at this venue in the IPL, and with Noor Ahmad dominating as the attacking spinner, he could play the perfect second fiddle as the defensive bowler who contains runs.