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IIE DIGITAL DESK :As the IPL 2025 season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), with both teams looking to solidify their spots in the top half of the points table. What’s grabbing headlines this time is Gujarat Titans’ bold move to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI, not primarily for his off-spin, but as a specialist batter—a strategic decision that adds depth and flexibility to the Titans' top order.

Washington Sundar, long regarded for his all-round capabilities, has recently been making waves with his improved batting form in domestic circuits and T20 leagues. Gujarat Titans, known for their tactical innovations, are reportedly planning to use Sundar higher up the order, potentially as a No. 3 or No. 4 option, to anchor innings and provide stability. With key middle-order batters struggling for consistency in recent matches, the inclusion of Sundar purely for his batting is a calculated gamble that could pay off handsomely.

GT’s top-order mix will still feature stalwarts like Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha, with David Miller and Rahul Tewatia expected to handle the finishing duties. The addition of Sundar adds a left-handed dimension to a largely right-dominated line-up, giving the team more options when rotating strike or facing leg-spinners in the RR bowling attack. Moreover, his ability to play spin well could prove valuable against Rajasthan’s spin duo—Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal—especially on slower surfaces.

On the other side, Rajasthan Royals are unlikely to tinker much with their well-set combination. With Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top and the ever-reliable Sanju Samson in the middle, RR has one of the most balanced batting units this season. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult and supported by Prasidh Krishna, Ashwin, and Chahal, continues to pose serious challenges for opposition batters.

The upcoming GT vs RR match promises to be a tactical battle between two sides that have embraced both youth and experience. Gujarat’s decision to use Washington Sundar as a batting specialist could turn into a masterstroke if he manages to replicate his domestic form under IPL pressure. His role could also allow the Titans to play an extra bowler, strengthening their attack without compromising the batting depth.

With both teams evenly matched and fighting for playoff contention, this game is set to be a key encounter in the league stage. Fans are particularly excited to see how Sundar performs in his new role and whether he can provide the calm assurance GT’s middle order has been craving this season. For now, Gujarat Titans seem ready to surprise not just the opposition, but the entire IPL audience with their evolving strategy.