Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder Washington Sundar credited the team’s coaching staff for promoting him up the batting order, a move that played a crucial role in their successful run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday, April 7.
GT found themselves in early trouble after losing both in-form batters — Sai Sudharsan (5) and Jos Buttler (0) — inside the Powerplay, managing just 48/2 by the end of six overs. But Sundar, promoted to No. 4, joined skipper Shubman Gill (61*) and stitched a vital 90-run partnership for the third wicket, which turned the tide in their favour.
While Gill anchored the innings, Sundar played the aggressor’s role, breaking free with a 20-run over off Simarjeet Singh that set the tone. He eventually scored a brisk 49 off 29 balls, falling just one short of a well-deserved half-century.
Sundar makes the ‘Rare’ opportunity count
“Coach asked me to go in at four especially after we lost a couple of wickets early. It was a rare opportunity for me and I really enjoyed being out there. The surface in Hyderabad tends to get better for batting later in the game, so I was aware of that and it helped,” Sundar said after the match.
Though he didn’t bowl, Sundar’s contribution with the bat at number four proved to be a masterstroke as GT comfortably chased the target to seal their third straight win.