New Delhi, April 8: In a memorable performance in IPL 2026, a stunning half-century from Gujarat Titans' all-rounder Washington Sundar ended a long-standing nine-year drought after 3273 days.
Promoted at number four against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday (April 8), the Tamil Nadu cricketer's knock not only anchored the GT innings but also marked a rare milestone, as it was the left-handed batter's maiden fifty in the IPL.
Sundar Shines as GT Post Massive Total
Batting first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Shubman Gill-led his team from the fron as they piled up a formidable 210/4 in 20 overs. Contributions for GT - after they were invited to bat first - flew from the top and middle order.
Washington Sundar stole the spotlight with a fluent 55 off 32 balls, showcasing both control and
aggression at a crucial stage of the innings. He found strong support from skipper Gill, who struck 70 off 45 balls, while Jos Buttler added a brisk 52 off 27, ensuring GT maintained a high scoring rate throughout.
Sundar's innings proved decisive as he accelerated in the latter stages, helping Gujarat breach the 200-run mark - a total that ultimately put Delhi Capitals under immense pressure.
The 3273-Day Drought Ends
Sundar's fifty was more than just another contribution - it symbolised the end of a nine-year wait for a rare IPL milestone, bringing an emotional and statistical breakthrough after 3273 days. While the exact context of the drought highlights the rarity of such performances from his role, the knock underlined his evolution into a dependable middle-order contributor.
Sundar's IPL batting record reflects a player who has largely operated in a supporting role but has shown flashes of impact when given the opportunity. Across 69 matches, he has scored 588 runs at an average of 16.80 and a strike rate of 129.23, with today's score of 55 being his highest.
While not a primary batter, Sundar has contributed valuable lower-order runs, striking 51 fours and 18 sixes, often providing stability or late acceleration depending on the situation.
