The Wankhede Stadium brims with energy as Mumbai Indians lock horns with Gujarat Titans in match 56 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Both sides are in top form and a victory tonight will lift the victor to the number one position on the points table. With so much on the line, each step counts and one such step that raised eyebrows was Gujarat Titans' decision to leave out Washington Sundar from their playing XI.

GT skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and, as anticipated, decided to bowl first on a pitch that has been proven to suit pacers. In keeping with that stratagem, GT brought in left-arm pacer Arshad Khan in Sundar's place. The switch, although calculated, also continues Sundar's poor form in this season.

Washington Sundar, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder who left everyone in awe with his stingy off-spin and handy batting, hasn't yet found his groove in IPL 2025. In 5 matches this season, he has scored a paltry 85 runs at an average of 21.25 and strike rate of 151.79. While those figures with the bat do look good on paper, a lack of contributing meaningfully when it counted the most has consigned him to the fringes. His own highest score of 49 stands as his one outstanding performance, and he has been unable to convert starts or provide the final blow that comes with an accomplished campaigner. 

ALSO SEE:MI VS GT IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Sundar left out as Gujarat Titans pick extra pacer for Wankhede match

With the ball, Sundar has also not been of much harm either managing small impact and struggling to provide breakthroughs or hold in the middle overs, something which has always been his strength.

GT's preference to include another pacer ahead of a spin-bowling all-rounder also sits with the reputation of Wankhede as being pace-friendly. The addition of Arshad Khan provides the bowling department more bite with bowlers already boasting Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

Even though omitted for this specific match, Sundar's experience and flexibility remain a powerful asset for the Gujarat Titans. Having represented the IPL since 2017 and having only recently been a member of India's winning Champions Trophy team in 2025, his presence in the camp will undoubtedly be an advantage during periods of pressure later in the competition.

For now, though, Gujarat Titans have opted to use the pace strategy in a match of great importance and Washington Sundar will have to wait for another time to make an unforgettable impression this season.