Cricket fans were left puzzled when Washington Sundar, a key Indian all-rounder, was benched by the Gujarat Titans in their opening match of the IPL 2025 season. One of the most prominent voices to express this confusion was none other than Google CEO Sundar Pichai. His response to a fan’s query on X (formerly Twitter) added an intriguing twist to the debate.
The IPL 2025 Opener: What Happened?
Gujarat Titans, led by captain Shubman Gill, faced Punjab Kings in their opening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gill won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that sparked debates, especially regarding team selection. Both Washington Sundar and Glenn Phillips were left out of the playing XI, a move that raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts. Given Sundar’s all-round capabilities, many believed he could have been a valuable asset to the team.
Sundar Pichai’s Reaction
A cricket fan named Pushkar took to X to express his confusion over Sundar’s exclusion. He posted, “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.”
Sundar Pichai, a known cricket aficionado, responded with a simple yet thought-provoking reply. “I have been wondering this too.” His response quickly went viral, triggering discussions among cricket fans and analysts alike.
Washington Sundar was bowled, but Sundar Pichai came to bat! 😂 pic.twitter.com/PS3ZpS9ZpW
— Gems Of Replies (@GemsOfReplies) March 26, 2025
Match Highlights: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans
Punjab Kings showcased a stellar batting performance, amassing a massive total of 243/5 in their 20 overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer led the charge with an unbeaten 97 off just 42 deliveries, playing a match-defining knock. Debutant Priyansh Arya impressed with a quickfire 47 off 23 balls, while Shashank Singh added late fireworks with a blistering 44 not out off 16 deliveries, ensuring a formidable score.
In response, Gujarat Titans put up a valiant effort but fell short, finishing at 232/5. Sai Sudharsan anchored their innings with a well-composed 74, while Jos Buttler provided a fiery start, smashing 54 off 33 balls. Despite their strong batting display, Gujarat Titans couldn’t overcome the target, losing the match by 11 runs.
Fans React to Pichai’s Post
Sundar Pichai’s tweet fueled reactions from cricket fans worldwide. Some notable responses included: “It’s a Sundar mystery that nobody can solve!”. Other user asked, “If you were to buy a team, which team would it be & what name would you give it?”
Why Was Washington Sundar Benched?
Although the team management has not offered an official explanation, the Gujarat Titans’ decision could be attributed to several factors. They may have prioritized a different team combination to maintain balance, or perhaps the pitch conditions were not conducive to spinners, making them less of a strategic choice for the match.
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