Google CEO Sundar Pichai left 'wondering' why GT benched Washington Sundar in clash against PBKS

The IPL is full of surprises, but here’s a googly no one saw coming—Google CEO Sundar Pichai casually weighing in on team selection.

Sundar Pichai and other cricket fans were left to wonder, when Gujarat Titans’ playing XI for their clash against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday did not feature Washington Sundar. Instead, he and Glenn Phillips were listed as Impact Substitutes. Social media erupted with confusion, and one fan put the question out there:

"How Sundar sneaks into the best 15 of India but doesn't get a place in any IPL XI when 10 teams exist is a mystery," a fan wrote.


Enter Sundar Pichai, who, dropped a reply that no one expected: "I have been wondering this too."


And just like that, cricket Twitter exploded. Some fans found it hilarious, others were simply baffled.

"Actually insane," one fan commented. Another joked, "Sunder is being protective about his name. There is other sunder also."

Another replied, "Sundar from Washington replied instead of Washington Sundar."


Of course, the moment sparked even wilder conversations, with fans dreaming up IPL scenarios for Pichai himself. One asked, "If you were to buy a team, which team would it be & what name would you give it?"

Meanwhile, in the actual match…
Despite Sai Kishore’s stellar three-wicket haul, Punjab Kings went beast mode, piling up 243/5, courtesy of a blazing 97* from captain Shreyas Iyer. Gujarat Titans gave it their all, with Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler smashing fifties, but they fell agonizingly short by just 11 runs.

Now, GT will have to regroup fast as they take on Mumbai Indians in their next home game.