Table of Contents
Gujarat Titans (GT) endured a disappointing start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign, suffering an 11-run defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The game witnessed a high-scoring thriller, but despite a brilliant 74-run knock from Sai Sudharsan, GT failed to chase down 244 runs, handing Shubman Gill’s side a bitter opening-game loss.
However, what caught the attention of fans was the absence of Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar from the playing XI of Gujarat. Many were left puzzled by the team’s decision to bench Sundar, despite his credentials as a key player for the Indian national team. Among those questioning this move was none other than Google CEO Sundar Pichai, whose response on social media has since gone viral.
Fan questions Washington Sundar’s absence and Sundar Pichai responds
After the toss, a fan took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express frustration over Sundar not making it to GT’s playing 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’s post read.
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
— Pushkar (@Musafirr_hu_yar) March 25, 2025
In a surprising turn of events, Google CEO Sundar Pichai noticed the post and responded with his own take.
“I have been wondering this too,” Pichai said.
I have been wondering this too:)
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 25, 2025
Pichai’s comment instantly went viral, drawing widespread reactions from cricket enthusiasts. Given his well-documented love for cricket, his engagement with IPL discussions came as no surprise.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Preity Zinta hails Punjab Kings’ incredible win over Gujarat Titans
Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy masterclass guides Punjab Kings to win over Gujarat Titans
Shreyas Iyer, who took charge of Punjab for the first time, played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with sheer dominance. Priyansh Arya provided a blistering start with a 23-ball 47, but it was Iyer’s calculated aggression, laced with five fours and nine sixes, that propelled PBKS to an imposing total. Shashank Singh‘s fiery 44 off 16 balls in the death overs further strengthened Punjab’s charge. Gujarat’s bowling attack, led by Sai Kishore (3/30), struggled to contain Punjab’s relentless hitting, with Mohammed Siraj (0/54) and Rashid Khan (1/48) enduring a tough night.
In response, Gujarat got off to a flying start, with Gill smashing 33 off 14 balls before falling to Glenn Maxwell. Sudharsan and Buttler stitched together a crucial 84-run stand, keeping Gujarat in the hunt. However, the real turning point came when Arshdeep dismissed Sudharsan for 74 in the 13th over, slowing down GT’s momentum. Sherfane Rutherford’s late blitz (46 off 28) kept the contest alive, but excellent death bowling from Arshdeep (2/36) and Marco Jansen (1/44) ensured PBKS sealed a thrilling win.
