Former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund said Gujarat Titans all-rounder wasn’t feeling happy with limited opportunities he received in IPL 2025. Sundar scored 133 runs in six matches of the previous season at an average of 26.60 and a strike rate of 166.25. 

Furthermore, the off-spinner could scalp only two wickets in six matches at an average of 55.50 and economy rate of 10.24. The all-rounder was bought for INR 3.20 crore in IPL 2025 mega auction.

Meanwhile, Sundar was also part of India’s T20 World Cup squad but could not impress in the limited chances he received.

Mukund said on his ESPN Cricinfo, “I have a sneaky feeling Washington was not happy at the amount of chances that he was getting and wanted to go. The only way you accommodate him in that top 5-6, if you think Washi’s skill set is a big 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 tight unit and want to keep players who believe are in their scheme of things.”

“So, that is the only reason. And I’m shooting in the dark here,” Mukund went on to add.

On the other hand, former South African captain Faf du Plessis questioned GT’s decision to trade out Sherfane Rutherford. The left-hander scored 291 runs in 13 matches of IPL 2025 at an average of 32.33 and a strike rate of 157.29.

“Just as captain, I would absolutely be 100% against the trade of Rutherford. It was such an important weapon that they had last year. And if someone is doing well for you, why would you trade him? You don’t replace him, like if it was for a local guy, I’d go.

“When you look at all the other trades, Donovan Ferreira, Nitish Rana – local player for an overseas player – great trade, Samson – great trade. This one, he didn’t trade. It was just cash, right?,” Du Plessis concluded.

Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on 31st March.