IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans Drop ₹3.2 Crore Star Washington Sundar Despite Strong Performance – Coach Explains the Move
Gujarat Titans delivered an outstanding performance against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, securing a commanding 58-run win in what was seen as a high-scoring match. However, a major talking point following the game was the surprise exclusion of ₹3.2 crore player Washington Sundar from the playing XI.
Despite Sundar’s reputation as a dependable all-rounder, Gujarat made the decision to leave him out in favor of a fourth seamer. After the match, assistant coach Parthiv Patel explained the rationale behind the move, which had raised a few eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Tactical Adjustment, Not a Reflection of Form
“Washington Sundar was initially in our playing eleven,” Patel explained at the post-match press conference. “However, we always review the pitch and game situation closely. This time, we felt that having an additional pacer would be more beneficial in the second innings. It wasn’t about Sundar’s form but about our team’s needs for that specific match.”
Patel went on to emphasize Gujarat’s flexibility in terms of player roles. “We don’t assign fixed roles to players. We prefer to adjust based on conditions and match situations. If early wickets had fallen, we could’ve easily adapted. But our batting depth gave us the confidence to go with the seamers,” he added.
While Sundar was left out, Gujarat’s tactical decisions paid off, as their bowling unit delivered an outstanding performance.
Bowlers Shine in Defending a Big Total
After setting a formidable total of 217, the Gujarat Titans bowlers stepped up with precision. Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/24, while Rashid Khan (2/37) and Sai Kishore (2/20) provided excellent support, helping their team dismiss Rajasthan Royals for just 159 in 19.1 overs.
Patel expressed his pride in the bowlers’ execution. “Defending 217 and winning by such a margin speaks volumes. Prasidh Krishna has been brilliant throughout the tournament, while Rashid and Sai Kishore have been exceptional. Sai’s courage in tough conditions has been impressive, especially with the way he’s bowled in these high-scoring matches.”
He further highlighted the depth of their bowling attack. “It’s great to see different bowlers rising to the occasion in every game. Bowlers win matches, and our bowlers are making a significant impact this season.”
Sudharsan Continues to Impress
On the batting front, Sai Sudharsan once again proved his worth, scoring an elegant 82 off 53 balls, guiding Gujarat to a substantial total. Patel praised Sudharsan for his consistency and dedication.
“Sai works incredibly hard on his game. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t leave the nets until he’s satisfied with his batting. He understands his strengths and keeps it simple, which is why his performances are so consistent,” Patel shared.
Sudharsan’s impressive form has caught the attention of many, with growing speculation that his consistent performances may soon lead to a national team selection.
On the flip side, Rajasthan Royals’ spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule acknowledged that the target was achievable but noted that the lack of key partnerships derailed their chase.
RR Coach Reflects on Chase, Missed Partnerships
“It was certainly a chaseable total. The track was good for batting, and 200 was a reasonable score. Perhaps a few fewer runs could’ve been conceded, but Gujarat batted well. Sudharsan played a vital role in their innings, and they maintained partnerships throughout the game,” Bahutule said.
Although Rajasthan started well with the early dismissal of Shubman Gill, they couldn’t capitalize on the advantage.
“We got the breakthrough with Gill, but we couldn’t build on that momentum. Our execution wasn’t as sharp in the final overs, and in T20s, that’s often the difference,” Bahutule admitted.
Sudharsan’s Rise and Promising Future
Bahutule expressed great admiration for Sudharsan, asserting that the young batsman is poised for a successful career.
Sharing his views on Sudharsan’s potential, Bahutule noted that the batsman’s steady progress and mature approach to the game are key factors in his promising future. “He’s a classical player with remarkable poise,” Bahutule remarked.
Looking back at Rajasthan’s performance, Bahutule highlighted the critical role of rapid decision-making and quick adaptation in T20 cricket’s high-paced environment.
T20 demands quick thinking and the ability to make instant decisions to address challenges as they come. “We will review our performance, pinpoint the areas where we faltered, and focus on improving both our batting and bowling,” he noted. “Errors are inevitable, but reducing them can significantly increase our chances of success.”
Gujarat Titans’ Tactical Mastery
The victory over Rajasthan Royals once again demonstrated Gujarat Titans’ ability to adapt to the conditions and make bold decisions. Their strategy of flexibility and team depth is proving to be a winning formula.
With the bowling attack firing on all cylinders and the batting order showing resilience, Gujarat Titans are shaping up to be a major contender in IPL 2025. Sundar’s omission was a tactical choice, not an indictment of his form, and it shows the team’s commitment to selecting the best combination for each situation.
