"I don't think he will go" - Aakash Chopra on Washington Sundar's potential move to CSK ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former India player Aakash Chopra has opined that Washington Sundar is unlikely to be traded to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. While acknowledging that Sundar got limited opportunities for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025, the analyst noted that the spin-bowling all-rounder liked the atmosphere at the franchise.

CSK won't have Ravichandran Ashwin's services in IPL 2026, as the off-spinner has retired from the prestigious league. Certain reports suggested that the Chennai-based franchise is interested in acquiring Sundar as a potential replacement for Ashwin.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener reckoned that Sundar wouldn't move to CSK.

"Another news that came was whether Washington Sundar can go to CSK. He told (Ravichandran) Ashwin that he doesn't have any such plans. I don't think he will go, although Washi has got less chances. Washi mentioned that as well that he didn't get enough chances, but he said that he likes the atmosphere and the setup, and that he doesn't want to go," he said.

While acknowledging that Sundar will be an ideal replacement for Ashwin, Chopra opined that the Titans are unlikely to release the spin-bowling all-rounder.

"However, if Ashwin has gone, Washi Sundar will fit in seamlessly in his place, and he is from Chennai as well. However, I don't think the Gujarat Titans will leave him that easily. I don't think that's happening," he observed.

Washington Sundar picked up just two wickets at an economy rate of 10.24 in five innings in IPL 2025. He was more effective with the bat, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 166.25 in five innings.

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"KKR will be very happy" - Aakash Chopra on KL Rahul's potential move ahead of IPL 2026 auction

KL Rahul played for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that KL Rahul's potential move to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could resolve many of the franchise's problems.

"There was news about KL Rahul that he could actually go to KKR. KKR will be very happy. If they don't get Sanju (Samson), they can get KL Rahul. He can come and open, captain, and keep. Their many problems can get solved if they get a keeper-batter of Sanju or KL Rahul's level," he said.

While observing that the Delhi Capitals might be interested in getting Rinku Singh in return, the cricketer-turned-commentator wondered whether KKR would release the left-handed batter.

"However, they cannot give any player to anyone. Whom will they offer to Delhi? Delhi might be slightly interested if they offer Rinku Singh, but will KKR release Rinku? That's a big question, although they didn't use him that well," Chopra noted.

Aakash Chopra pointed out that the Delhi Capitals don't need Venkatesh Iyer even if the Kolkata Knight Riders are willing to release him. He opined that a swap deal is unlikely to happen in such a scenario.

Edited by Kartik Iyer