Washington Sundar scored 49 (29) in the one match he performed for GT and was then benched within the subsequent recreation.
Gujarat Titans (GT) are atop the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 points table. After losing their opening encounter against the Punjab Kings, they have yet to lose again. Despite being successful, GT has made a few mistakes, the biggest of which has been benching Washington Sundar.
The all-rounder hasn’t played much ever since the impact player rule was introduced in 2023. Some of it was because Washington hadn’t improved his batting in T20 cricket, and his old franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), wanted more aggression from him.
Washington Sundar 2.0 vs SRH
By the time he joined GT, Washington had become a regular in the India cricket team in T20Is. Yet, he’s played just one match. GT gave him his first opportunity against SRH, their fourth match of the IPL 2025 season. But Washington showed his new and improved self.
Batting at number four, he scored a career-best 49. That too from just 29 balls. GT didn’t bowl him, but we all know how well Washington does in T20s with the ball, especially in the powerplay. Yet, in the next match against Rajasthan Royals, they dropped him.
GT’s weird selection decisions
It made no sense at all. But that’s how GT has selected their teams so far. For some reason Shubman Gill and co. haven’t played four overseas players either. Glenn Phillips, who’s now returned home due to an injury, wasn’t played over either Shahrukh Khan or Rahul Tewatia.
Kagiso Rabada has also returned home, but GT still decided to play Kulwant Khejroliya over Gerald Coetzee. Frankly, it doesn’t make much sense. But they have continued to win, and that’s what matters.
Washington is back against the Lucknow Super Giants. Considering in the past Ekana Cricket Stadium helped spinners, he may have been added to the playing XI. It seems like he has been told by GT management what his role is and that he may miss more matches, irrespective of how he performs.
But Washi has a chance to change that. He can show GT what he’s worth. With the bat and ball. And then against the Delhi Capitals, he will remain in the playing XI.
GT’s Playing XI vs LSG
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj
Impact Subs: Prasidh Krishna, Mahipal Lomror, Nishant Sindhu, Anuj Rawat, Jayant Yadav
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