Washington Sundar showed promise with the bat in IPL 2026. Image Credits: AP
Gujarat Titans’ vulnerable middle order was their biggest issue throughout IPL 2026. It eventually came to haunt them in the big final when their top order failed. However, one shining prospect for GT was Washington Sundar, who came with useful cameos at times.
In terms of batting returns, Sundar enjoyed his best season in the competition. The southpaw scored 377 runs at an average of 37.70 and a strike rate of 150.19 in 16 outings. Additionally, he hit three fifties and played several timely knocks.
How Washington Sundar showed tremendous improvements as a middle-order batter
Gujarat Titans were prudent enough to consistently push Washington Sundar at the No.4 or 5 slot in IPL 2026. This made him understand his assignment and how to weave an innings when the field is spread.
A notable feature in his batting was his improved strike rate and boundary-hitting ability.
Sundar’s strike rate of 150.19 was his third-best among all IPL seasons, but he nearly faced thrice as many balls (251) as his previous best. Additionally, he hit a boundary every 4.82 deliveries, with the most sixes ever (12) in a season.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Rated Higher Than Sai Sudharsan: Gujarat Titans Player Ratings For IPL 2026
His pace-hitting ability was the biggest improvement. It was his Achilles’ Heel before, particularly shorter lengths into the body. Sundar struck at 157.77 and found the fence every 4.39 deliveries against fast bowlers this season.
He has been working on his hitting game and showed encouraging results for India in patches. Then, a consistent run in IPL 2026 helped him evolve further in a tricky role.
Washington Sundar's batting vs pace in IPL over the years
Take his knock in the summit clash, for instance. When Washington Sundar came to the crease, Gujarat Titans were reeling at 55/3 in eight overs in Ahmedabad.
They had lost two of their best batters - Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill - along with Nishant Sindhu. Initially, Sundar played cautiously and formed a couple of decent stands with Jos Buttler and Arshad Khan to bring some stability.
Later, he accelerated in the final three overs and helped the Titans post a fighting score. His knock propelled GT to 155/8 when it looked impossible after Buttler’s dismissal.
Even his other knocks, such as a 40-run cameo against Punjab Kings and an unbeaten 37 against Rajasthan Royals, were equally timely. It was a season where his batting returns were more crucial than his bowling expertise. Sundar bowled only 55 balls, as the Titans banked more on his batting value.
How Sundar’s improvements helped Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans are a team heavily reliant on their top three to do the heavy lifting with the willow in the tournament. However, their returns were hardly as consistent as last season. Jos Buttler, in particular, didn’t fire in as many matches as he did last season.
Collectively, GT’s top three accounted for 71.15% of the balls and 71.11% of the runs in IPL 2025. That meant the middle order hardly had the opportunity to make big contributions.
However, their share dropped to 66.20% runs and 62.89% balls in 2026. This put more pressure on other batters.
Gujarat Titans top three contributions in last two years
That’s where Washington Sundar’s timely rise helped Gujarat Titans cover this weakness at times. Sundar stepped up when the likes of Glenn Phillips and Shahrukh Khan couldn’t get going. He was also instrumental in accommodating Jason Holder in the XI.
There were times when Rashid Khan, despite his improvements this season, couldn’t hold his lengths with the old ball. GT also had to drop Prasidh Krishna when he started bowling erratically after initial success.
Hence, they took a bold call to drop a specialist batter, Phillips, to make room for a bowling all-rounder, Holder, midway through the season. It helped them bolster their bowling stocks further, as Holder went on to make big contributions in the middle overs.
This move was only possible due to Sundar, as GT could afford to compromise with the batting depth.
How Sundar’s refined batting form helps India
Washington Sundar’s batting credentials in Test cricket were never in doubt. However, he needed to work on his white-ball batting, and so he did.
The success in IPL 2026 means India can be more confident of using him as an all-rounder in ODIs and T20Is. They currently have Axar Patel as a spin-bowling all-rounder, while Ravindra Jadeja remains available only for ODIs.
However, both have shown issues with quality pace bowling. Axar, for instance, averages a mere 16.75 and loses his wicket every 11.62 deliveries against pace in T20s this year.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has shown signs of regression and can’t be floated around. The New Zealand series earlier this year confirmed his waning finishing skills, as he could strike at just 91.30 against pacers.
Hence, Washington Sundar emerges as a solid option, not only for T20Is but also for the World Cup next year. If he could continue to build on his hard-hitting skills, India would look to draft him in the main team, ahead of Axar and Jadeja.
This team management has backed him across formats, and the results are finally showing. At a time when India’s spin all-rounder stocks are low, Washington Sundar has strengthened his case with a solid IPL 2026.
Also Read: IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008-2026)
