Ahead of the IPL 2025Auction in Jeddah, in R Ashwin’s “mock” auction, Washington Sundar has been picked up by Gujarat Titans (GT) for a whopping 15.5 crore rupees, surpassing expectations. This development follows his release from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he had limited playing opportunities during the 2024 season. Entering the auction with a base price of 2 crore rupees, Sundar quickly became a hot commodity, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), SRH, and Gujarat Titans waging a fierce battle to get the capped allrounder.
Potential for greater gains
Ashwin is confident that Sundar could achieve an even more lucrative outcome in the actual IPL auction. Despite playing only two matches in the 2024 season and taking two wickets without getting a chance to bat, Sundar’s performances in domestic cricket have drawn attention. His important contributions to the Indian team, along with a stellar showing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), have positioned him as a player in demand.
RCB’s aggressive bid: A case of recency bias?
RCB’s aggressive pursuit can be attributed to recency bias, with Sundar’s recent form overshadowing considerations of specific formats. His performances in domestic cricket have been extraordinary, earning him a spot on the Indian team and improving his reputation as an impact player, where he shone. Known for his all-around capabilities, Sundar is a handy option with the bat, especially as a left-hander, adding considerable value to any team.
The quest for quality spinners
As teams complete their strategies for the mega-auction, securing a quality spinner is important, and Sundar fits this requirement well. His peak fitness levels and proven skills make him a desirable pick. While every franchise seeks a potent spinner, Sundar’s all-round abilities mean he could command substantial interest and bids, possibly beyond the 15.5 crore seen in the mock auction by Gujarat Titans.
Limited opportunities but high potential
Sundar’s limited appearances in the 2024 season don’t reflect his potential or capabilities. Despite playing only two matches, where he took two wickets without batting opportunities, his domestic performances have painted a promising picture. As the auction draws near, all eyes will be on Sundar and how he can capitalize on his domestic success in the forthcoming IPL season.
Washington Sundar in IPL
Here’s a table presenting Washington Sundar’s career stats for both batting & fielding, and bowling:
Batting Stats
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100/50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 60 | 13 | 378 | 40 | 14.00 | 325 | 116.31 | 0 | 32 | 9 |
Bowling Stats
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | WKTS | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 60 | 1054 | 1325 | 37 | 3/16 | 35.81 | 7.54 | 28.49 |
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