“You have a sneaking feeling that Washington was not happy.”

Former India batsman Abhinav Mukund hinted that all-rounder Washington Sundar was not happy with the limited opportunities he got while representing Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025. According to Mukund, Sundar may have been looking to leave the franchise, which is why GT may have had to replace Sherfane Rutherford, thus opening up a place for Sundar in the starting XI.

Sundar was bought for ₹3.2 crore by GT in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, he ended up playing just six matches for the franchise, scoring 133 runs at an average of 26.60 and a strike rate of 166.25. Thanks to his off-spin, the Tamil Nadu cricketer took just two wickets at an economy rate of 10.25.

During the discussion ESPNcricinfoMukund indirectly mentioned that Sundar’s factor may have played a role in GT’s trade from Rutherford to Mumbai Indians (MI). He said:

“I have a sneaking feeling that Washington wasn’t happy with the amount of chances he was getting and wanted to leave. The only way to accommodate him in the top 5-6, if you think Washi’s skill set is a huge asset to your team, is by letting go of Rutherford. That’s something the Gujarat Titans have always prided themselves on. They have a very strong unit and want to keep players who they believe are in their scheme of things.”

“So, that’s the only reason. I’m shooting in the dark here,” Mukund added.

Rutherford played 13 matches for GTV in IPL 2026, scoring 291 runs at an average of 32.33 and a strike rate of 157.29, with a best of 46 runs.

“Such an important weapon they had last year” – Faf du Plessis questions GT’s decision to trade Rutherford

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has questioned GT’s decision to trade Rutherford to MI. He felt that a trade deal, where he was replaced by a home-grown talent, would have made sense, but not a cash deal. Du Plessis explained:

“As captain, I would definitely be 100% against a Rutherford deal. He was an important weapon they had last year. And if someone is doing a good job for you, why would you replace him? You don’t replace him, as if it were for a local guy, I would leave.”

“When you look at all the other deals, Donovan Ferreira, Nitish Rana – domestic player for overseas player – great trade, Samson – great trade. This one, he didn’t trade it. It was just cash, wasn’t it?,” du Plessis concluded.

Rutherford was traded from Gujarat to Mumbai ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He moved to MI for his current fee of Rs 2.6 crore.