Washington Sundar, KL Rahul Trades See No Traction Despite Early Buzz: Report | Cricket News

Washington Sundar was supposed to be traded to CSK (Picture credit: AFP)

A possible move of Washington Sundar from the Gujarat Titans to the Chennai Super Kings now appears ruled out, with KL Rahul’s trade to the Kolkata Knight Riders is also unlikely, although there remains a slight chance for the latter still, according to a report in Cricbuzz.

The ‘Sundar-to-CSK’ buzz first surfaced on a YouTube channel a few weeks ago and was not baseless. The Chennai Super Kings had indeed explored bringing in the Indian all-rounder, after Ravichandran Ashwin’s exit.

However, Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra shut down any talk of a trade for Sundar. According to the report, the former’s stance had been communicated to Chennai Super Kings well before Sundar’s blistering, unbeaten 49 against Australia in Hobart on November 2.

The Gujarat Titans management had long made it clear they had no plans to part ways with a cricketer they have invested in.

Bought by the Gujarat Titans for Rs 3.2 crore at the last mega auction in Jeddah, Sundar’s career has soared since. Though he played only six IPL matches last season, he has since established himself as an all-format regular for India.

As for Rahul, his case was straightforward from the outset, with little opportunity of any trade talks. However, speculation gained traction after reports suggested Sanju Samson might be traded to the Delhi Capitals in exchange for Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi.

Given that both Rahul and Samson are wicketkeeper-batters with captaincy credentials and a preference for opening (though neither currently does for their franchises), the comparisons fuelled the buzz.

According to the report, Kolkata are scouting for a top-quality Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can also take on captaincy responsibilities, with both Samson and Rahul fitting that bill.

While preliminary talks are believed to have taken place regarding both cricketers, Kolkata are unwilling to part with key assets such as Rinku Singh or Varun Chakaravarthy in any potential swap, according to reports.

Given that stance, a move for Rahul might not happen, even if the Samson trade between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals materialises.