New Delhi: Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin opened up and said that the Gujarat Titans traded Sherfane Rutherford to the Mumbai Indians because they had confidence in Washington Sundar to take charge.
He added that with their squad nearly set, they could approach the mini-auction in a relaxed manner, even enjoying pakodas.
Gujarat Titans released several backup players, which included Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, and Kulwant Khejroliya. Key overseas departures included Gerald Coetzee and Sherfane Rutherford, with Rutherford being traded to Mumbai Indians for Rs 2.6 crore.
Ashwin believes Gujarat Titans might enjoy a remarkable IPL season next year
Ashwin believes that if Sundar performs well higher up the order and Rashid Khan regains his form, Gujarat could enjoy a remarkable season next year.
“Why did GT release Rutherford? Because they believe that Washington Sundar can do that job. Their top three are solid on that ground. Sai and Gill’s 500 500 runs are guaranteed. If Rashid Khan has a better season, they are a finals team,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“They can go to the auction casually with pakodas, can sit there and eat and bring back some players,” Ashwin said.
Gujarat Titans remaining purse for the IPL 2026 auction
Gujarat Titans enter the auction with five remaining slots and a budget of Rs 12.9 crore. Despite topping the points table for through out the IPL 2025 season, the team stumbled in the crucial stages and was eliminated by Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad moved from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants. He has been acquired for Rs 10 crore during the trade window. Despite a disappointing IPL 2025 season, he has regained form while playing for Bengal in domestic cricket.
“There wasn’t much sense behind the idea of releasing Klaasen, because why would you leave him? SRH’s bowling is concerning. I would have thought once or twice more before releasing Shami,” Ashwin said.
“Maybe Bharat Arun told Sanjiv Goenka to get Shami and I will get the best out of him. Cummins’ injury is a concern; they might look towards Travis Head as captain,” Ashwin added.