IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra Slams SRH for Mismanaging Washington Sundar, Praises His Match-Winning Cameo for GT

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for talented cricketers to shine and make a mark for their respective teams and the national selectors. One such player who has been in the spotlight recently is Washington Sundar, the all-rounder who has been making waves with his performance for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025. Despite his undeniable talent, the cricketer has faced some criticism regarding how his potential was managed by his previous team, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and even at GT until now. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently spoke out about this issue, calling out SRH for not giving Sundar a fair chance and highlighting how GT is now beginning to make the most of his skills.

Aakash Chopra’s Criticism of SRH’s Management of Washington Sundar

Aakash Chopra, a well-known cricket analyst and commentator, made a strong statement regarding Washington Sundar’s treatment at SRH. Chopra was speaking on Jio Hotstar during a live session when he expressed his disappointment over how the all-rounder was handled by the Hyderabad-based franchise. He pointed out that despite SRH paying a hefty sum of Rs 8 crore to acquire Sundar’s services, they failed to give him the opportunities he deserved.

"Sundar was with SRH for the longest time, and despite the heavy price tag, they didn't provide him with a proper chance to prove himself. Even at Gujarat Titans, he was picked but didn't get a single game until today," Chopra said.

He added that it was quite "bizarre" how a player of Sundar’s caliber was not utilized properly, considering his skill set and the versatility he offers. While SRH might have failed to use him effectively, Chopra expressed his optimism about Sundar’s future with GT, particularly as he adds value with his left-handed batting.

Washington Sundar’s Impact on the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025

When Washington Sundar made his debut for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, it was a game-changer. In their recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sundar proved his worth with a quickfire cameo of 49 runs off just 29 balls. His innings were impressive, filled with five boundaries and two sixes, and his strike rate of 168.97 was a testament to his attacking play.

Despite the early setback, with the Gujarat Titans struggling at 16/2, Sundar's positive contribution helped his team get back on track. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings and pushing the chase forward. His match-winning knock was just one of the many reasons why his performance stood out in IPL 2025.

Shubman Gill, the captain of the Gujarat Titans, played a sensational role in their chase, but Sundar’s contribution cannot be overlooked. Along with Sherfane Rutherford, Sundar played a vital role in keeping the scoreboard ticking and building partnerships that eventually led the Gujarat Titans to an easy victory over SRH.

Aakash Chopra’s Praise for Sundar’s Bowling Skills

While Sundar’s batting abilities were on full display during the match, Chopra also highlighted another crucial aspect of his game — his bowling skills. Many critics have underrated Sundar as a bowler, but Chopra believes he has the potential to play an important role with the ball, especially during the power play.

"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 just 153 runs. Their bowling depth is fine, and I think we’ll see Sundar play many more games from here on — and play a bigger role, including with the ball,” Chopra said.

Washington Sundar's ability to bowl with the new ball in the powerplay is an added dimension to his game, which could prove to be valuable for the Gujarat Titans. His accuracy and control make him a reliable bowler, and his skillset makes him a useful option for any team, especially in the early stages of an innings.

Why SRH Didn’t Give Sundar Enough Opportunities

Washington Sundar's situation with SRH is a curious case. Despite being a promising all-rounder, he was often kept on the bench, with SRH failing to give him regular opportunities. Chopra highlighted how SRH's lack of faith in Sundar raised questions about their player management strategy.

Even though Sundar was bought for a significant sum, SRH seemed more focused on their other international players and local stars, neglecting the talented Indian all-rounder. This approach left many fans and analysts puzzled, especially given that Sundar’s versatile skill set both with bat and ball could have made a difference in many of their matches.

Sundar was not just a reliable bowler, but his left-handed batting also gave SRH a unique option in their middle order. Chopra pointed out that SRH’s failure to utilize Sundar's left-handed batting potential meant they were missing out on a valuable asset that could have added depth to their batting lineup.

Sundar’s Performance in IPL 2025: What Lies Ahead

After his impressive knock for the Gujarat Titans, fans are hopeful that Washington Sundar will play a more prominent role in the upcoming matches of IPL 2025. His ability to deliver with both bat and ball makes him a complete package for any IPL franchise.

For the Gujarat Titans, Sundar’s inclusion in the lineup is already proving to be a game-changer. His batting depth has added another layer of flexibility to their top order, especially with the team having Sai Sudharsan and Rahul Tewatia already in their ranks. By adding Sundar to the mix, GT has one more left-handed option in their batting order, which can be crucial in breaking the opposition bowling attacks.

From a bowling perspective, Sundar’s role could increase as well, especially in the powerplay and middle overs. His ability to keep runs in check and take crucial wickets can give GT an edge over the competition in IPL 2025.

Conclusion: Sundar’s Potential Finally Recognized

The treatment of Washington Sundar by SRH left many wondering about his future in IPL. However, with his recent performance for the Gujarat Titans, it seems like the all-rounder’s potential is finally being recognized. As Aakash Chopra pointed out, Sundar’s batting and bowling can be assets to any team, and if used correctly, he can become a match-winner for the Gujarat Titans.

Given his talent, it’s clear that Sundar’s IPL journey is just beginning. His recent cameo against SRH could be a sign of even bigger things to come as he starts to feature more regularly in GT’s playing XI. Sundar is not only a promising cricketer for the Gujarat Titans but also someone who could soon become a key player for India in the future. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what lies ahead for this young all-rounder in IPL 2025.

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