Reports had suggested that Sundar could be traded to Chennai Super Kings before the retention deadline, but Patel clarified that such a move was never part of the Gujarat franchise’s thinking.
Photo: IANS
Gujarat Titans assistant coach Parthiv Patel has stressed that the franchise never considered letting go of Washington Sundar in a trade-off ahead of IPL 2026. Patel underlined the off-spinning all-rounder’s importance to the squad, highlighting his versatility as both a batter and a bowler as a key reason for GT’s confidence in him.
Reports had suggested that Sundar could be traded to Chennai Super Kings before the retention deadline, but Patel clarified that such a move was never part of the Gujarat franchise’s thinking. Speaking at a virtual press conference following the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, Patel said the management had no doubts about retaining Sundar, especially given his recent performances for India across formats.
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“In our thought process, we never thought of trying to trade Washington Sundar, or even if someone asked us, we didn’t even think about it. So that was never a doubt at all. As far as Washington Sundar, how he has played really well for India in the past year, whether it was Test cricket or wherever he has gotten a chance, he’s a versatile player.
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“He can bat well at the top as well as at the bottom. So, depending on the season, we can use Washington Sundar anywhere,” Patel said.
Sundar, who was bought by Gujarat Titans for Rs 3.2 crore last year, has had limited game time in recent seasons due to the Impact Player rule. He featured in only six matches in the previous edition, though his unbeaten 49 against Sunrisers Hyderabad underlined his batting pedigree.
With his stock rising following consistent international performances, GT see him as a solution to their No. 4 concerns, particularly after Sherfane Rutherford was traded to the Mumbai Indians. Sundar is expected to play a key supporting role to the established top three of Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.
Patel also spoke about the flexibility GT possess in their middle order, noting that selections would depend on conditions and match situations. He said players such as Sundar, Glenn Phillips and new recruit Tom Banton all remain in contention for spots in the XI.
“So basically, when we pick a team, it’s in our mind that whichever player comes in, he should fit in our team and be ready to play in the eleven.
“So obviously, the way the pitch conditions will be, the way we feel on the ground and in the nets, we will make a decision according to that. But whether it’s Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, or Tom Banton, who we took in the auction, no player is out of consideration. But we have the luxury that we have such players who can play at any number anywhere,” he added.
Addressing the decision to buy Tom Banton ahead of England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who went unsold, Patel explained that experience played a decisive role in the auction strategy.
“No, it’s not that we don’t have any interest. Obviously, Tom Banton and Jamie Smith have almost the same kind of skill set. But Tom Banton has more experience. He has played in the IPL before. He is doing well in international cricket. So that’s why we had to choose one out of the two.
“But for that, we were very sure before in the way we were thinking, and that’s why we took Tom Banton in the team. He brings a lot of value in terms of experience and batting at any number. Also, he is someone who can bat from the top till wherever we want.
“So obviously, we look at a batter who is versatile. On top of everything, he has the experience of playing international cricket and IPL cricket. So that’s the reason why we thought that he could be a classic fit for our team,” Patel elaborated.
Patel also played down concerns surrounding the form and fitness of lower-order finishers Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan. While Tewatia is recovering from shoulder surgery and Shahrukh endured a tough Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign for Tamil Nadu, Patel expressed confidence in both players delivering when IPL 2026 begins.
“March is still three months away. We feel that Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia are both very, very valuable players for us. Even last year, Tewatia won a couple of games. He won a couple of games—one against Mumbai and one against Delhi. He did that job, which we feel that he has the capability to do.
“Same with Shah Rukh; obviously, the top three batters did play a lot of cricket. They spent a lot of time. Shah Rukh also has that ability. He did not have a good Mushtaq Ali so far, but we truly trust in Shah Rukh Khan’s ability. So, we don’t have any doubts over those two players,” Patel concluded.
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