Loved my time in middle...: GT's Washington Sundar after win over SRH

ANI April 7, 2025 199 views

Washington Sundar delivered a match-changing performance in the IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring a blistering 49 runs from just 29 balls. Coming in at a challenging 16/2, Sundar partnered with captain Shubman Gill to build a crucial 90-run stand that transformed the game's momentum. The left-handed all-rounder's aggressive batting and strategic approach helped Gujarat Titans chase down the target with remarkable ease. His post-match comments highlighted his enjoyment and the team's calculated approach to the chase.

"I loved my time in the middle" - Washington Sundar
Hyderabad, April 7: After registering a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday, Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder Washington Sundar expressed his delight after playing exceptional innings in the 19th clash of the ongoing 18th edition of the cash-rich league.

Key Points

1

Washington Sundar's rapid-fire 49 from 29 balls revives GT's innings

2

Crucial 90-run partnership with Shubman Gill turns match

3

GT chases 153 with 20 balls and seven wickets remaining

4

Siraj named Player of the Match for bowling performance

Sundar played a quickfire cameo of 49 runs from just 29 balls, which was laced with five boundaries and two maximums in his innings. The 25-year-old cricketer scored these runs at a staggering strike rate of 168.97.

The left-hand batter came out to the middle in the fourth over of the chase when the Gujarat Titans were struggling at 16/2, where the side lost its two experienced batters, Sai Sudarshan (5) and Jos Buttler (0), very cheaply.

From 16/2 in 3.5 overs, the southpaw, along with captain Shubman Gill, built a key partnership of 90 runs from 56 balls. This partnership helped the visitors to an easy win over Pat Cummins-led side by seven wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Speaking after the match, the Chennai-born player revealed what Shubman Gill told him when he came out to bat in the middle along with him.

"It is better of you calling all the adjectives. Skipper told me to bat as deep as possible and wanted to finish the game for my team. This has been the trend in Hyderabad in the last few years, the wicket gets a little better so easier to chase 160-170. I was aware if it and it helped me. Coach asked me to go in at 4, especially after we lost a couple of wickets in the early overs. It was a rare opportunity for me, and I loved my time in the middle," Washington Sundar said in the post-match presentation.

Coming to the match, SRH was put to bat first after GT won the toss. The top order of Travis Head (8), Abhishek Sharma (18), and Ishan Kishan (17) was poor once again as the side was reduced to 50/3. A 50-run stand between Nitish Kumar Reddy (31 in 34 balls, with three fours) and Heinrich Klaasen (27 in 19 balls, with two fours and a six) and a cameo by skipper Pat Cummins (22* in nine balls, with three fours and a six) lifted SRH to 152/8 in their 20 overs.

Prasidh Krishna (2/25) and Sai Kishore (2/24) were also impressive with the ball.

GT started the 153 run chase in a shaky way, losing two wickets for 16 runs. However, sensational 90-run stand between skipper Shubman Gill (61 in 43 balls, with nine fours) and Washington Sundar (49 in 29 balls, with five fours and two sixes) took the match away from SRH in one big swoop and finishing was handled expertly by Sherfane Rutherford (35* in 16 balls, with six fours and a six) as target was chased down with 20 balls and seven wickets in hand.

Siraj was announced the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an innings by Sundar! He's been so underrated in this IPL season. That partnership with Gill was 🔥. GT looking strong this year!
P
Priya M.
While Sundar played well, I think SRH's batting lineup needs serious work. Too dependent on Klaasen and Cummins' cameos. The top order collapse is becoming a pattern 😕
A
Arjun S.
That strike rate of 168.97 is insane! Sundar proving he's more than just a bowler. Hope he gets more batting opportunities going forward.
N
Neha P.
Shubman Gill's captaincy is really impressive this season. The way he rotated bowlers and built that partnership shows great leadership 👏
V
Vikram J.
Interesting that Siraj got POTM when Sundar's innings was match-winning. Not taking anything away from Siraj's bowling, but feels like Sundar was robbed!
S
Sanjay R.
Rutherford's finishing was clinical! 35* off 16 balls is exactly what you need in the death overs. GT's middle order looking solid 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
IPL 2025 Washington Sundar Gujarat Titans Sunrisers Hyderabad Cricket Shubman Gill
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