In a significant tactical shift that had fans buzzing with anticipation, Gujarat Titans (GT) recalled spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar to their playing XI for their crucial IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, April 12. The move marked the end of what many cricket analysts had begun to call Sundar’s “exile” from GT’s first-choice team combination, despite his match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the tournament.
The 25-year-old Tamil Nadu all-rounder had been surprisingly left out of GT’s starting lineup for their previous match against Rajasthan Royals on April 9, where the team opted to use Kulwant Khejroliya as their Impact Player instead. This decision had raised eyebrows among cricket pundits and fans alike, especially considering Sundar’s impressive showing in his only previous appearance this season.
“I feel the team hasn’t been thinking of Washi in a role as a bowler,” former India opener Aakash Chopra had observed in a YouTube video before the LSG clash, highlighting the puzzling way Sundar has been handled in the IPL. “He might actually play in this game. He might be the Impact Player instead of Khejroliya,” Chopra had predicted ahead of the match.
His prediction proved accurate as GT skipper Shubman Gill included Sundar in the starting XI against LSG, replacing Khejroliya in a move that signaled the team’s recognition of the value Sundar brings to the side.
The Tactical Reasoning
The decision to bring Sundar back into the team wasn’t merely about correcting a selection oversight. It was a calculated tactical move, considering LSG’s batting lineup features several left-handed batters, including captain Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller. Sundar’s off-spin was expected to be particularly effective against these left-handers in the middle overs.
“He might be seen playing in this match. I am saying that because you will have three left-handers in the middle overs. Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran and David Miller will be there, and we might see Shahbaz Ahmed at times there. There are plenty of left-handers in this side. So he might have a role as a bowler as well,” Chopra had reasoned in his pre-match analysis.
Additionally, Sundar’s inclusion bolstered GT’s batting depth. His previous innings of 49 runs off just 29 balls against SRH had demonstrated his capabilities with the bat, especially in pressure situations. The team management clearly recognized that his all-round abilities could provide the balance GT needed against a strong LSG outfit.
The Unfair Treatment Narrative
Washington Sundar’s journey in the IPL has been marked by what many critics describe as unfair treatment. Despite his obvious talent, he has frequently found himself on the sidelines, unable to secure a consistent role in whichever team he has represented.
“Washington was with SRH for the longest time. They paid Rs 8 crore to acquire his services and yet didn’t give him a proper opportunity. Even here at GT, he was picked up but didn’t get a single game until today – and still didn’t bowl. It’s quite bizarre how he’s been handled at the IPL level,” Aakash Chopra had remarked following Sundar’s performance against SRH.
This sentiment has been echoed across the cricket community, with many questioning why a player of Sundar’s caliber hasn’t been utilized more effectively in the IPL. Since his debut with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, Sundar has only reached double-digit appearances in two seasons (2017 and 2020), a statistic that highlights the inconsistent opportunities he has received.
The player himself has maintained a professional attitude amidst these challenges. “Everything is decided as per the conditions and which team we’re playing against. So it’s quite different, especially in this format. Everything is tactical; and I know that whenever my opportunity comes, I’ll be more than prepared,” Sundar had said in an interview with Times Of India, displaying remarkable patience and understanding of his situation.
The Match Day Performance
As GT faced LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 12, all eyes were on Washington Sundar. The stage was set for his comeback, with fans eager to see if he could replicate his heroics from the SRH match.
The contest began with LSG captain Rishabh Pant winning the toss and opting to bowl first. GT’s openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, got off to a flying start, racing to a 120-run partnership – the best opening stand of the season. Both batsmen struck impressive half-centuries, with Gill scoring 60 off 38 balls and Sudharsan contributing 56 off 37 deliveries.
However, the dismissal of both openers triggered a collapse, and this is where Sundar entered the fray. Walking in at number four, a promotion from his usual lower-middle order position, Sundar had a golden opportunity to make an impact once again.
Unfortunately, his return to the playing XI didn’t go as planned. Ravi Bishnoi, LSG’s crafty leg-spinner, had other ideas. Having just dismissed Sudharsan, Bishnoi struck again in the same over, as Sundar dragged one onto his stumps. The dismissal was a significant blow to GT’s momentum at a crucial juncture of the innings.
“Lucknow Super Giants’ Ravi Bishnoi celebrates the dismissal of Gujarat Titans’ Washington Sundar during the Indian Premier League cricket match between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India, Saturday, April 12, 2025,” reported media outlets covering the match, capturing the moment when Sundar’s comeback innings was cut short.
Despite this setback, Sundar’s inclusion in the playing XI represented a significant vote of confidence from the GT management. His brief stay at the crease may not have yielded many runs, but his mere presence in the team signaled a potential shift in GT’s strategy going forward.
The Innings Collapse
Following the dismissals of Gill, Sudharsan, and Sundar in quick succession, GT’s innings lost momentum. The visitors could manage just 60 runs in the last eight overs after the fall of their openers, ending with a total of 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
The collapse highlighted GT’s middle-order vulnerabilities, an area where Sundar’s consistent presence could potentially provide stability in future matches. Jos Buttler, another key GT batsman, failed to make a significant impact, falling to Digvesh Rathi as LSG’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback in the latter half of the innings.
LSG’s bowling attack, led by Shardul Thakur (2/34) and Ravi Bishnoi (2/36), displayed excellent control in the death overs, restricting what had promised to be a much larger total after GT’s explosive start.
The LSG Response
In their chase of 181, LSG started aggressively with captain Rishabh Pant surprisingly taking on the role of an opener alongside Aiden Markram. The duo made a strong start, putting immediate pressure on GT’s bowling attack.
Despite Sundar’s presence in the playing XI, his potential impact with the ball remained to be seen as the match progressed. GT would be looking to him to contain LSG’s powerful left-handed batsmen, as had been the tactical thinking behind his inclusion.
What This Means for Sundar’s IPL Future
Washington Sundar’s recall to GT’s playing XI, despite his brief stay at the crease, marks a potentially significant turning point in his IPL 2025 journey. The fact that he was selected ahead of Kulwant Khejroliya and batted at number four indicates that the team management is willing to assign him a more substantial role going forward.
“I think we’ll see Washington play many more games from here on – and play a bigger role, too, including with the ball. His bowling is very underrated. Give him the new ball in the powerplay, and you’ll find him economical,” Aakash Chopra had predicted, a statement that could well come true in GT’s upcoming fixtures.
For Sundar himself, this represents another opportunity to establish his credentials as a genuine all-rounder in the T20 format. With the upcoming five-match Test series against England looming on the horizon (scheduled from June to August), consistent performances in the IPL could strengthen his case for national selection.
“There are five Tests, and it’s going to be a massive test for all of us in every aspect. So, yes, it’ll be amazing for us to dominate the series and go on to win the series as well. (Right now) I need to keep my focus here and keep getting better,” Sundar had said when asked about the England series, emphasizing his commitment to performing well in the present while keeping an eye on future opportunities.
The Broader Context: GT’s Campaign
For Gujarat Titans, the strategic decision to bring Sundar back into the playing XI reflects their evolving approach to the IPL 2025 campaign. After winning the tournament in their debut season in 2022, GT have established themselves as one of the most tactically astute teams in the competition.
The opening partnership between Gill and Sudharsan has been one of GT’s strengths this season, with Sudharsan particularly impressive. “We’ve seen the amount of talent that he’s got, and it’s just amazing to see how he translates that into performance and be consistent as well. It’s been amazing for all of us to watch the way he’s been going about his batting and his approach, especially this season. You can only expect a lot more from Sai,” Washington had said about his teammate, highlighting the strong camaraderie within the GT camp.
However, the middle-order inconsistency remains a concern that needs addressing if GT are to mount a serious challenge for the title. Sundar’s all-round abilities could be key to solving this puzzle, providing both batting depth and bowling options against different types of opposition.
A Second Chance to Shine
The recall of Washington Sundar to Gujarat Titans’ playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants represents more than just a tactical shift – it symbolizes a second chance for a player who has often found himself on the periphery despite his obvious talent.
While his comeback innings may have been cut short by Ravi Bishnoi’s guile, the very fact that he was batting at number four suggests that GT see him as an integral part of their plans going forward. The “exile” appears to be over, replaced by an opportunity to establish himself as a consistent performer at the IPL level.
For cricket fans, particularly those who have followed Sundar’s career with interest, this development offers hope that one of India’s most gifted young all-rounders will finally get the platform his talents deserve. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Sundar responds to this vote of confidence from the GT management.
In the unpredictable theater of T20 cricket, comebacks often make for the most compelling stories. Washington Sundar’s return from the sidelines could yet evolve into one of the narrative highlights of IPL 2025, provided he gets the consistent opportunities that have eluded him thus far in his IPL career.
