Google CEO Sundar Pichai has joined the cricketing world in wondering why Washington Sundar wasn’t picked in Gujarat Titans’ playing XI for their IPL 2025 match against Punjab Kings.
Gujarat Titans had a tough start to their season, falling short by 11 runs in a high-scoring game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a massive 244-run target, GT managed 232/5 despite strong performances from Sai Sudharsan (74) and Jos Buttler (54). Sherfane Rutherford (46) kept hopes alive, but Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant final over sealed the win for Punjab Kings.
GT went with two spinners, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, but left out Washington Sundar—both from the playing XI and as an impact substitute. This decision left many fans baffled. One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) and questioned how Sundar makes it to India’s best 15 but struggles to find a spot in any IPL XI.
“How Sundar sneaks into the best 15 of India but doesn’t get a place in any IPL XI when 10 teams exist is a mystery,” the fan wrote.
Sundar Pichai responded with a witty take: “I have been wondering this too :).”
His reply quickly went viral, adding to the debate about Washington Sundar’s absence from Gujarat’s squad. Fans are now waiting to see if GT will include the all-rounder in their upcoming matches.
Washington Sundar is a proven all-rounder with impressive credentials. He is known for his economical off-spin bowling, ability to bowl in the powerplay, and handy batting lower down the order.
The Tamil Nadu-born has represented India in all three formats, making valuable contributions, especially in T20Is. He has delivered clutch performances in the IPL as well, often controlling the game with his accurate bowling and useful cameos with the bat.
Overall, he has played 60 games in the IPL, wherein he scored 378 runs, registering his personal best score of 40. On the other side of the coin, he took 37 wickets to his name at an economy of 7.54. His personal best bowling figures read 3/14 and it remains to be seen how he will go about his work in the ongoing 18th edition of the IPL.