In a surprising turn of events at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Gujarat Titans roped in India all-rounder Washington Sundar for a modest ₹3.2 crore. Despite Sundar’s impressive performances for India, the bidding war for the player fell short of expectations, with only Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants actively pursuing him. The acquisition of Sundar has sparked excitement within the Gujarat camp, especially given his potential impact on the team’s bowling unit.
Washington Sundar: A Rising Star in IPL
Washington Sundar’s career trajectory has been on the rise, particularly since his memorable return to the Indian team. His performances in recent international cricket, including a prominent role in the New Zealand Test series, have boosted his reputation. Sundar’s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the Perth Test ahead of seasoned bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja further underscores his growing stature in world cricket.
In the 60 IPL matches he has played, Sundar has proven to be a reliable all-rounder, contributing both with the ball and the bat. He has taken 37 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54, while also scoring 378 runs at an average of 14. While these statistics may not be game-changing on the surface, his ability to deliver in key moments and his control with the ball makes him an invaluable asset to any IPL team.
Gujarat Titans’ Strategic IPL 2025 Auction Picks
For Gujarat Titans, Sundar’s acquisition forms part of a well-thought-out strategy to strengthen their bowling department. While the franchise was expecting a much higher bid for the all-rounder, they are delighted to secure his services at such an affordable price of ₹3.2 crore. This purchase provides great value for money, considering Sundar’s potential to make a significant impact with both bat and ball in IPL 2025.
Assistant coach Parthiv Patel shared his thoughts on Sundar’s signing, expressing surprise at the low bid and satisfaction with the team’s overall auction strategy. “We were expecting Sundar to go for much higher than the price we got, but we are quite happy to have him in our team. We stuck to our plan to bolster our pace attack, and Sundar’s signing fits perfectly into that vision,” Patel said.
The Gujarat Titans Bowling Line-Up for IPL 2025
Gujarat Titans have always placed a strong emphasis on their bowling attack, and the 2025 season will be no different. The team has carefully assembled a formidable bowling lineup, with Washington Sundar expected to play a key role in supporting their pace bowlers. Gujarat has signed Kagiso Rabada for ₹10.75 crore, Mohammed Siraj for ₹12.25 crore, and Prasidh Krishna for ₹9.5 crore, strengthening their pace options even further.
Other Key IPL 2025 Signings by Gujarat Titans
In addition to Sundar, Gujarat Titans have made several impactful signings at the IPL 2025 auction, including:
- Jos Buttler (₹15.75 crore): A destructive opener and wicketkeeper who adds immense firepower to their batting lineup.
- Kagiso Rabada (₹10.75 crore): A world-class pacer known for his ability to take wickets in the powerplay and death overs.
- Mohammed Siraj (₹12.25 crore): A consistent performer for India, Siraj’s pace and control will bolster Gujarat’s attack.
- Prasidh Krishna (₹9.5 crore): A bowler who can generate pace and bounce, adding more depth to the bowling attack.
- Gerand Coetze (₹2.4 crore), Sai Kishore (₹2 crore), Glenn Phillips (₹2 crore): Solid depth players who provide additional balance and options for the team.
The team has also retained key players like Shubman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, and Sai Sudharsan, all of whom are expected to play crucial roles in Gujarat’s bid to retain the IPL title in 2025.
Conclusion: A Strong IPL 2025 Lineup
Gujarat Titans have made significant moves to further strengthen their squad ahead of IPL 2025. With Washington Sundar added to a star-studded lineup, the team looks well-positioned to make another strong title challenge. Sundar’s bargain acquisition at ₹3.2 crore may very well turn out to be one of the steals of the season, providing excellent value for the franchise in both the short and long run.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Gujarat Titans’ blend of youth, experience, and tactical depth makes them a formidable contender, and Sundar’s role will be crucial in helping the franchise achieve its goals.
