3 players in other teams CSK should consider trading in after IPL 2025 ft. Washington Sundar

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time IPL champions, won only four matches in the competition's 2025 edition. Having lost 10 of 14 games, they finished bottom of the points table.

It was a rare season where nothing went right for the team. Despite having players who had tasted success in the IPL, under-par performances raised eyebrows , especially from a few players acquired in the mega IPL 2025 auction.

The CSK management will seek a fresh strategy for IPL 2026 and may consider trading in a few players following their disastrous 2025 campaign. Here's a look at three such players:

---

#1 Washington Sundar

2025 IPL: Eliminator - Gujarat Titans v Mumbai Indians - Source: Getty

The all-rounder is a handy option in the T20 format. He represented the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 but didn't get many opportunities to play.

In six matches and five innings with the bat, Sundar scored 133 runs at an impressive strike rate of 166.25. As GT already had two specialist spinners in Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, Sundar didn't get many opportunities to showcase his talent with the ball. He bowled a mere 10.5 overs in IPL 2025 and picked up two wickets.

Ravichandran Ashwin will be 39 by the time IPL 2026 commences and might not be on CSK's retention list, as he had an ordinary 2025 campaign.

CSK would love to trade in Sundar, as he would be the perfect like-for-like replacement for the veteran Ashwin. Sundar could get more game time with the team than he had with GT in IPL 2025.

---

#2 Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock has a handy record in the IPL Source: Getty

The keeper-batter could be a handy pick for CSK for IPL 2026. CSK could look to release Devon Conway and/or Rachin Ravindra after the duo failed to impress in IPL 2025.

The CSK top order is a young, inexperienced one and will require some experience. The likes of Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel could need some help at the top of the order, and Quinton de Kock would fit the bill perfectly.

The keeper-batter has played 115 matches across 11 IPL seasons and has an impressive record, averaging over 30, and has a strike rate of 134.02. Apart from his experience at the top of the order, De Kock could assume keeping duties if MS Dhoni calls it a day before IPL 2026.

De Kock played eight matches for KKR in IPL 2025. Apart from one match-winning inning, he failed to create much of an impact.

---

#3 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell had a disappinting IPL 2025 for the RCB- Source: Getty

One of the reasons for CSK's downfall in IPL 2025 was the inability of theor middle and lower-middle order to provide finishing touches. None of the batters fitted in the role of a finisher, which eventually affected the team.

Maxwell is one player CSK could eye for IPL 2026, and they could look to trade in the all-rounder. The Aussie was a part of the victorious RCB team that won IPL 2025, but he failed to create much of an impact.

Maxwell played seven matches in IPL 2025, and in six innings, scored 48 runs at a dismal average of 8 and a strike rate of 97.96. He picked up four wickets. He had a broken finger midway through the season and was ruled out of the remaining matches.

With many match-winners at RCB's disposal, they might not retain Maxwell for IPL 2026. CSK could look to grab him with both hands, as he could be the cure for their middle-order woes.

Maxwell has an impressive record in the IPL and has an astounding strike rate of 155.15 in 135 innings across 13 seasons. He's a handy off-spinner, picking up 41 wickets, at an impressive economy rate of 8.3.