Gujarat Titans (GT) endured a disappointing begin to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 marketing campaign, struggling an 11-run defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The sport witnessed a high-scoring thriller, however regardless of an excellent 74-run knock from Sai Sudharsan, GT did not chase down 244 runs, handing Shubman Gill’s facet a bitter opening-game loss.
Nonetheless, what caught the eye of followers was the absence of Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar from the taking part in XI of Gujarat. Many have been left puzzled by the workforce’s choice to bench Sundar, regardless of his credentials as a key participant for the Indian nationwide workforce. Amongst these questioning this transfer was none aside from 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 (previously Twitter) to specific frustration over Sundar not making it to GT’s taking part in XI.
“How Sundar sneaks into the perfect 15 of India however doesn’t get a spot in any IPL XI when 10 groups exist is a thriller,” the fan’s put up learn.
How Sundar sneaks into the perfect 15 of India however does not get a spot in any IPL XI when 10 groups exist is a thriller
— Pushkar (@Musafirr_hu_yar) March 25, 2025
In a stunning flip of occasions, Google CEO Sundar Pichai seen the put up and responded together with his personal take.
“I’ve been questioning this too,” Pichai mentioned.
I’ve been questioning this too:)
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 25, 2025
Pichai’s remark immediately went viral, drawing widespread reactions from cricket lovers. Given his well-documented love for cricket, his engagement with IPL discussions got here as no shock.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Preity Zinta hails Punjab Kings’ unbelievable win over Gujarat Titans
Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy masterclass guides Punjab Kings to win over Gujarat Titans
Shreyas Iyer, who took cost of Punjab for the primary time, performed a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with sheer dominance. Priyansh Arya supplied a blistering begin with a 23-ball 47, nevertheless it was Iyer’s calculated aggression, laced with 5 fours and 9 sixes, that propelled PBKS to an imposing complete. Shashank Singh‘s fiery 44 off 16 balls within the demise overs additional strengthened Punjab’s cost. Gujarat’s bowling assault, led by Sai Kishore (3/30), struggled to include Punjab’s relentless hitting, with Mohammed Siraj (0/54) and Rashid Khan (1/48) enduring a tricky evening.
In response, Gujarat received off to a flying begin, with Gill smashing 33 off 14 balls earlier than falling to Glenn Maxwell. Sudharsan and Buttler stitched collectively an important 84-run stand, conserving Gujarat within the hunt. Nonetheless, the true turning level got here when Arshdeep dismissed Sudharsan for 74 within the thirteenth over, slowing down GT’s momentum. Sherfane Rutherford’s late blitz (46 off 28) stored the competition alive, however glorious demise bowling from Arshdeep (2/36) and Marco Jansen (1/44) ensured PBKS sealed an exciting win.