Aakash Chopra Praises Washington Sundar, Says GT Unlocking His True Potential in IPL 2025

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded Washington Sundar for his impressive outing with the bat in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.

Speaking on Jio Hotstar, Chopra expressed concern over the way Sundar has been managed in the IPL and underlined his value as a left-handed option in GT’s middle order.

‘Bizarre Handling of a Talented Player’: Chopra

Chopra pointed out that Sundar had previously been part of SRH, who had acquired him for ₹8 crore, but did not offer him consistent opportunities.

Despite being with Gujarat Titans this season, he had not featured in any game until this match, and even then, he was not given the ball.

“Washington was with SRH for the longest time. They paid Rs 8 crore to acquire his services and yet didn’t give him a proper opportunity. Even here at GT, he was picked up but didn’t get a single game until today — and still didn’t bowl. It’s quite bizarre how he’s been handled at the IPL level,” Chopra said during the Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live show on JioHotstar.

He further stated that Sundar adds strategic depth to GT’s batting. “But what I found exciting and impressive from both GT’s and Washington’s point of view is that he now gives them one more option.

In their top three, they’ve got one left-hander, Sai Sudharsan, who bats deep. But after that, it was almost an all right-handed lineup until Rahul Tewatia. Now, with Washington Sundar, they have another left-handed option,” he added.

A Vital Cameo Under Pressure

Washington Sundar played a crucial knock under pressure, scoring 49 runs off 29 deliveries, featuring five fours and two sixes, at a remarkable strike rate of 168.97.

His performance came when GT was in a tough spot at 16/2, after the early dismissals of Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.

The 25-year-old made the most of his opportunity and contributed significantly to GT’s seven-wicket win over SRH. His impactful batting display was essential in turning the game around.

Bowling Potential Still Untapped

Despite his strong showing with the bat, Sundar was not used with the ball during the match. Chopra commented on the team’s bowling choices, suggesting that the depth allowed them to leave Sundar out of the attack for the day.

“And the bowling doesn’t get depleted because Ishant Sharma bowled his full quota of overs, went for a lot and still, Washington wasn’t even needed. Yet, they restricted the opposition to 153. That means their bowling depth is fine,” he observed.

Looking ahead, Chopra sees Sundar becoming more central to GT’s plans. “I think we’ll see Washington play many more games from here on — and play a bigger role, too, including with the ball. His bowling is very underrated. Give him the new ball in the powerplay, and you’ll find him economical,” he added.

Sundar’s Setbacks and the Rise Against SRH

After the Impact Player rule was introduced, Sundar struggled to cement his place in the playing XI. Even this season, he waited on the sidelines fully padded as a potential Impact Player against the Mumbai Indians but was never called into action.

However, his knock against SRH has put him back in the spotlight. Chopra acknowledged Sundar’s determination to seize his chance.

“The Impact Player Rule allowed us to balance things out with an extra bowler, but today, Washi [Washington] showed his class. That knock was outstanding,” he stated.

Past and Present: Missed Chances at SRH and GT

Chopra continued to highlight Sundar’s mismanagement over the seasons. “Washington was with SRH for the longest time. They paid Rs 8 crore to acquire his services, and yet didn’t give him a proper opportunity,” he reiterated.

“Even here at GT, he was picked up but didn’t get a single game until today – and still didn’t bowl. It’s quite bizarre how he’s been handled at the IPL level.”

The all-rounder was given only two matches with SRH last season before being released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Now with GT, Sunday’s match marked his first appearance of the season.

Chopra: ‘GT Discovered a New Weapon’

Chopra concluded by pointing out that Sundar’s performance revealed a new dimension in GT’s batting arsenal.

“Today, we had the discovery of Washington Sundar, the batter. Earlier, it was all about one-two-three in their batting. Now, suddenly, they’ve got another arrow in their quiver – which we didn’t think was available to them,” he said.

With GT’s next fixture coming up against Rajasthan Royals on April 9, Sundar is now seen as a strong contender for a regular spot in the playing XI.