Washington Sundar shamed by fans [Source: JioHotstar]Washington Sundar let the Gujarat Titans (GT) down big time as he played a sluggish knock in a recent IPL 2026 game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). His struggle with the bat triggered a meme fest on social media as fans lashed out at the all-rounder.GT were asked to bat first by PBKS on the Mullanpur surface. After Sai Sudharsan departed early, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler stitched a 46-run partnership. However, they failed to convert it into something big.Washington Sundar faces heat for batting strugglesMeanwhile, GT management took a bold call to promote all-rounder Washington Sundar to no. 5 over finishers like Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia. However, the call backfired big time, as Sundar could score only 18 runs off 16 balls. He struggled to get going, avoided short balls and never looked comfortable on the crease.His scratchy knock ended as Vijaykumar Vyshak forced him to hole out to Arshdeep Singh. Naturally, fans lashed out at GT management for trusting Sundar over specialist finishers.Many questioned the logic and also slammed Washington Sundar for brainless batting. With that wicket, GT lost 5 wickets at 144 runs on the board in 18.1 overs.𝙎. @KLfied_ If Washington Sundar is your Finisher in a T20 team means your team is already cooked 🥴 Mar 31, 2026, 9:06 PM VIKAS @Vikas662005 🚨 Gujarat Titans Top 5 batsmen Strike Rate 🚨 118.18 SR - Sai Shudharsen 144.44 SR - Shubman Gill 115.15 SR - Jos Buttler 147.37 SR - Glenn Phillips 112.5 SR - Washington Sundar Gujarat Titans batting intent is like 2000 Era 🤯 Mar 31, 2026, 9:10 PM Low Strike Rate Academy @LowSRacademy Your innings has brought pure joy to the academy, Washington Sundar 😄🔥 Mar 31, 2026, 9:10 PM KIRAN @Chowdary32935 "Sundar just practicing his defensive stroke for the WTC final. Priorities, guys! Vishal. @SPORTYVISHAL Just for your info,, Daryl Mitchell remained unsold in the IPL while Washington Sundar is playing as a pure batsman. Mar 31, 2026, 9:07 PM Sanskar @Rohirat_forever Washington Sundar is the best all rounder Bowls like a batter, batsman like a bowler Mar 31, 2026, 9:27 PM Also Read - Flying Glenn Phillips Catch Off Shubman Gill Recalled As Duo Unite At Gujarat TitansThe Gautam Gambhir philosophy behind Sundar’s promotionInterestingly, Washington Sundar’s promotion is not an isolated incident. This trend started when Gautam Gambhir took over as India’s head coach. Since then, Sundar has been picked repeatedly even when his performances haven’t been impactful.For instance, in a key T20 World Cup match, he scored just 11 runs and bowled only two overs, yet continued to be backed over alternatives.Washington Sundar was also chosen ahead of Axar Patel, India’s T20I vice-captain, which further fuelled the narrative. The possible reason behind Gambhir's backing is that Washington Sundar offers balance, is useful against teams with left-hand-heavy lineups and the team management values his tactical flexibility.Now, this philosophy of Sundar being a fix to all team problems has transitioned into the IPL, which is what angered the fans even more on social media.GT post a respectable totalThat being said, despite hiccups, the Gujarat Titans put a strong total of 162/6 on the board at the end of the first 20 overs. Gujarat never really gained full momentum despite decent starts. Shubman Gill (39) and Jos Buttler (38) built a steady platform, but neither converted it into a big innings. Later, Yuzvendra Chahal (2 wickets) applied the brakes for PBKS, while Vijaykumar Vyshak (3 wickets) delivered a crucial spell to break partnerships. Marco Jansen also impressed with a tight spell, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs. Gujarat’s scoring rate dipped significantly in the middle and death overs, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The lack of a big finisher’s impact meant they ended with a total that looks competitive but slightly underwhelming on a typical T20 pitch.Also Read - Cameron Green Injury Update: Australia Coach Reacts To Ajinkya Rahane's 'Ask CA' Dig
