IPL 2026 Player Trade: Devon Conway to GT, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia to CSK - Explained

Rumours have surfaced that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may trade star opener Devon Conway in a blockbuster deal. Reports say CSK is looking to send Conway to the Gujarat Titans (GT) in exchange for all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, plus a cash sum. CSK had a disastrous IPL 2025 (finishing last) and is exploring big changes for 2026. Conway, Sundar and Tewatia are all experienced T20 players whose recent IPL form will be key to any deal discussion.

Devon Conway is a left‑handed opener from New Zealand whom CSK bought for ₹6.25 crore in the 2025 auction. He was vital to their IPL 2023 win, scoring 672 runs at an average of about 52 with six fifties. But this year he’s struggled managing just 94 runs in six games at a strike rate of 127. That dip in form has raised questions about his spot, and CSK might think about trading him to freshen up their top order.

CSK - GT Trade IPL 2026: A Bold Move in the Offseason

Washington Sundar is a batting all-rounder (left-handed bat, off-spin) who played for GT in IPL 2025. He got limited opportunities but made them count: in 6 matches he scored 133 runs at an explosive strike rate of 166.25. Sundar can also bowl spin – in 2025 he bowled just 10.5 overs and took 2 wickets. His big hitting and spin make him a versatile player. Cricket analysts note that Sundar would be a like-for-like replacement for CSK veteran bowler Ravichandran Ashwin . Sundar’s profile suggests he could strengthen CSK’s lower-middle order and spin options.

Rahul Tewatia is an Indian all-rounder (left-handed bat, leg-spin) known for big-hitting. In IPL 2025 with GT he played 15 games but batted mostly down the order, scoring 99 runs (12 innings) at a strike rate of 167.80. Those raw numbers seem low, but Tewatia is famous for clutch performances. His most iconic IPL moment came in 2020, when he smashed five sixes in a single over to help chase down 224 runs for Rajasthan Royals. That innings (53* off 31 balls) remains one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history . As a power-hitter and part-time bowler, Tewatia adds explosive batting depth and variety. CSK may value his history of finishing games

All three players bring different strengths. Conway is a solid top-order bat; Sundar offers batting power and spin; Tewatia brings finishing firepower. A trade swapping Conway for Sundar and Tewatia would shuffle both CSK’s and GT’s lineups. With IPL 2025 complete, CSK is looking to rebuild for 2026 and this rumored swap deal is one high-profile option being discussed.

IPL 2025 Player Performance Comparison

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