Sundar's unbeaten 40 solves GT's middle-order puzzle, Ashwin says
Synopsis
Washington Sundar's composed unbeaten 40 didn't just win a match — it answered a question that had haunted Gujarat Titans all season: can the middle order deliver under pressure? With Sundar's clinical 23-ball knock sealing a four-wicket chase, GT's methodical batting blueprint proved once again that in T20, controlled aggression trumps explosive chaos.
Key Takeaways
Washington Sundar scored an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls (strike rate 173.91 ) to guide GT to a four-wicket win over Punjab Kings .
Sundar walked in at 94 for 3 and sealed the chase with a maximum.
Ravichandran Ashwin praised the knock for addressing GT's middle-order depth concerns.
Ashwin highlighted GT's methodical, composed approach to chases as their key strength.
GT now face Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on 9 May with three consecutive wins in hand.
Washington Sundar's match-winning unbeaten 40 off 23 balls has effectively addressed Gujarat Titans' lingering middle-order depth concerns, according to former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Sundar's composed knock, struck at 173.91, guided GT to a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in a chase of 164, extending the franchise's winning streak to three matches.
How Sundar's innings unfolded
Sundar walked in at 94 for 3 and remained unbeaten through the chase, calmly steering his team to victory with a six to seal the result. His strike rate of 173.91 reflected aggressive yet controlled batting, ensuring the required run rate never spiralled out of control despite the middle-order collapse.
Ashwin's assessment of the innings
"Washington Sundar's innings was extremely important because it addressed a key question around Gujarat Titans' middle order," Ashwin said on JioHotstar. "While a lot of their runs come from the top three, contributions like this show the depth they have. Sundar has often been used as a flexible option, but he stepped up, handled the pressure well, and ensured the chase was completed. It might not have looked flashy, but it was a very composed and clinical effort to get the team over the line."
GT's methodical chase strategy
Ashwin further highlighted Gujarat Titans' methodical approach to run chases as a hallmark of their recent success. "Gujarat Titans were once again incredibly composed in the way they approached the chase. Their batting may not always look explosive, but it's highly methodical and built around understanding conditions," he added. On pitches where 160–170 is a competitive total, Ashwin noted that execution and game control matter more than explosive batting. "It's about controlling the game and executing your plans rather than chasing big numbers. They've shown remarkable consistency over the years with this approach, and credit goes to both the management and the players, for sticking to their process and getting the job done under pressure."
What's next for GT
With three consecutive victories, Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans will travel to Jaipur to face Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on 9 May. The franchise's balanced batting approach and depth will face another test against a strong RR outfit.
Point of View
Condition-aware, pressure-resistant — has become a blueprint for T20 success in an age of explosive openers. The real question now is whether this depth holds against top-tier bowling attacks like Rajasthan's. If it does, GT's 2022 title credentials look credible.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Washington Sundar score in GT's win over Punjab Kings?
Washington Sundar scored an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls at a strike rate of 173.91. He walked in at 94 for 3 and remained unbeaten through the chase, sealing the four-wicket victory with a six.
Why did Ravichandran Ashwin praise Sundar's innings?
Ashwin praised the knock because it addressed lingering questions about GT's middle-order depth. He noted that while GT's top three contribute heavily, Sundar's composed and clinical effort proved the franchise has capable backup batting options that can handle pressure.
What is Gujarat Titans' next match?
GT will face Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on 9 May. This comes after GT extended their winning streak to three consecutive victories.
How does Ashwin describe GT's chase approach?
Ashwin describes GT's approach as methodical and composed, built around understanding pitch conditions. He says their batting may not always look explosive, but it focuses on controlling the game and executing plans rather than chasing big scores, which has proven consistent over recent seasons.
