IPL 2025: Google CEO Sundar Pichai stuns a cricket fan with his reply including Washington Sundar

The Gujarat Titans (GT) began their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign on a disappointing note, suffering an 11-run defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In what turned out to be a high-scoring thriller, Gujarat fell short in their chase of Punjab’s mammoth 244-run total, despite a valiant 74-run effort from Sai Sudharsan.

While the defeat itself was a bitter pill for Gujarat fans to swallow, one of the biggest talking points from the game was the absence of all-rounder Washington Sundar from GT’s playing XI. Many were left puzzled by the decision, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, whose reaction to a fan’s query about Sundar’s omission went viral on social media.

Washington Sundar’s Absence Raises Eyebrows, Sundar Pichai Joins the Debate

As the playing XIs were announced at the toss, one notable exclusion stood out—Washington Sundar. The all-rounder, who has been a key part of India’s limited-overs setup, found himself warming the bench, much to the disappointment of fans.

One user took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his frustration over Sundar’s continued struggles to find a place in an IPL starting XI, despite being among India’s top 15 players in white-ball cricket.

“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 posted.

The post quickly gained traction, but what made it even more remarkable was the response it received from Google CEO Sundar Pichai himself.

“I have been wondering this too,” replied Pichai.

The tech giant’s response instantly went viral, sparking debates and discussions across cricketing circles. Pichai, an ardent cricket fan known for following the IPL closely, unintentionally reignited the debate over Washington Sundar’s underutilization in franchise cricket.

Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Masterclass Propels PBKS to Victory

Leading Punjab Kings for the first time in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer delivered a captaincy masterclass, guiding his team to a thrilling win. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Punjab got off to a fiery start, courtesy of young opener Priyansh Arya, who smashed a blistering 47 off just 23 balls.

However, it was Iyer himself who took charge of the innings, anchoring PBKS with a sensational knock. The right-hander combined aggression with control, smashing five fours and nine sixes en route to a breathtaking 86 off 48 balls. His composure in the middle overs, paired with late fireworks from Shashank Singh (44 off 16), powered Punjab to a massive 244/5 in their 20 overs.

Gujarat’s bowling attack struggled against Punjab’s onslaught. Sai Kishore (3/30) was the only bowler who managed to keep things under control, while experienced pacers like Mohammed Siraj (0/54) and Rashid Khan (1/48) endured a forgettable outing.

Gujarat Titans’ Chase: Sudharsan Fights, But Punjab Hold Their Nerve

Chasing 244, Gujarat Titans needed a blazing start, and they got exactly that with captain Shubman Gill leading from the front. The stylish opener smashed a 14-ball 33 before falling victim to Glenn Maxwell, halting GT’s early momentum.

Despite the setback, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler steadied the ship with an 84-run stand, taking Gujarat to 112/1 in just 8.5 overs. Sudharsan, in particular, looked in sublime touch, scoring an elegant 74 off 38 balls. However, just when GT seemed to be on track for a famous chase, Arshdeep Singh produced a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Sudharsan in the 13th over.

From there, GT struggled to maintain the required run rate. Sherfane Rutherford played a fighting knock of 46 off 28 balls, but PBKS’ bowlers, led by Arshdeep (2/36) and Marco Jansen (1/44), executed their death-over strategies to perfection.

Needing 36 off the final two overs, GT faltered under pressure, eventually finishing at 233/7, falling 11 runs short of Punjab’s total.

Key Takeaways from the Match

1. Shreyas Iyer’s Dream Start as PBKS Captain

Punjab’s decision to hand the captaincy reins to Shreyas Iyer appears to be a masterstroke. His ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required proved crucial in setting up PBKS’ mammoth total. His calculated aggression against GT’s spinners ensured Punjab maintained control throughout their innings.

2. Washington Sundar’s Absence – A Tactical Blunder?

While Gujarat’s playing XI had plenty of firepower, the decision to bench Washington Sundar raised serious questions. The all-rounder’s ability to contribute in both departments could have been a game-changer, especially in a high-scoring match. With Sundar Pichai’s tweet adding fuel to the discussion, GT’s management might need to reconsider their selection strategy in the coming matches.

3. Arshdeep Singh’s Death-Bowling Heroics

While Punjab’s batting stole the limelight, it was Arshdeep Singh’s calmness in the final overs that ultimately sealed the game. His ability to bowl yorkers under pressure and mix up his pace proved invaluable in stopping Gujarat’s late charge.

4. Sai Sudharsan’s Brilliance

In a game dominated by power hitters, Sai Sudharsan’s elegant stroke play stood out. The southpaw paced his innings beautifully, keeping GT in the hunt for most of the chase. His 74 off 38 balls was one of the best innings of the night, and Gujarat will hope he continues this form in the tournament.

What’s Next for Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings?

The loss will serve as a wake-up call for Gujarat Titans, who will need to regroup quickly. Questions around their bowling unit and team selection (particularly Sundar’s exclusion) will need to be addressed before their next game.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings will be thrilled with their winning start. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Priyansh Arya’s explosive batting, and Arshdeep’s clutch performance have set the tone for what could be a promising season for PBKS.

With the IPL 2025 season just getting started, both teams will have plenty to reflect on as they prepare for their next battles in the world’s most exciting T20 league.