Dubai: Sundar Pichai had a question. And it wasn’t about AI, search engines, or the latest in tech. It was about another Sundar — Washington Sundar. Why wasn’t he playing in the IPL?.The Google CEO, known for his love of cricket, joined the online buzz after Gujarat Titans’ latest match against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. While Shreyas Iyer’s side secured a thrilling 11-run win in Ahmedabad, it wasn’t the result that caught Pichai’s attention — it was Washington Sundar’s absence from the playing XI..‘I have been wondering this too’.A fan on X questioned why Sundar or Glenn Phillips wasn’t used as an Impact Substitute. The post read:.“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.”.Pichai, much to everyone’s surprise, replied: “I have been wondering this too.”.His response sparked a flood of reactions — some amused, some agreeing with his take, and others simply wondering why the CEO of Google was commenting on IPL team selections..Speculation over Pichai’s roots.Gujarat Titans fielded three players from Tamil Nadu — Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, and R. Sai Kishore — while Washington Sundar remained on the bench. Interestingly, Sundar Pichai, whose roots trace back to Tamil Nadu, seemed particularly curious about the omission. Was it just a coincidence, or did the name “Sundar” strike a chord with the Google CEO?.Another fan took the opportunity to throw a curveball question at the Indian-American executive:.“If you were to buy a team, which team would it be & what name would you give it?”.Interestingly, reports earlier this year suggested that Pichai was part of a consortium of Silicon Valley executives bidding for a London-based cricket team. The group is said to have placed a bid of over £80 million ($97 million) for either the Oval Invincibles or London Spirit — teams that play in The Hundred, England’s short-form cricket tournament..Pichai and Musk’s cricket banter.This isn’t the first time Pichai has engaged in cricket chatter online. In December, he and Elon Musk joined a discussion about Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah’s cheeky response to a journalist..During a press conference at the Gabba, a reporter remarked:.“What is your assessment of the batting? Although you’re not the best person to answer this, what do you think about the team’s situation, given the conditions?”.Bumrah, who holds the record for the most runs scored in a single Test over, replied with his signature wit:.“Interesting question. But you’re questioning my batting ability. You should Google who has the most runs in a Test over. Jokes apart, that’s another story.”.Pichai, clearly entertained, posted on X: “I did Google it. Anyone who can hook Pat Cummins for a six knows how to bat! Well done, @Jaspritbumrah93, saving the follow-on with Deep!”.Musk, the owner of X, simply responded with a nod of approval: “Nice.”.Pichai, keeping the cricket banter going, suggested that he and Musk attend a South Africa vs. India match one day, preferably at Newlands or Wanderers—Musk’s home turf..Maybe it’s time for a Google Search?.For now, Washington Sundar remains an enigma in IPL selection, and even Google’s CEO doesn’t have the answer. Maybe it’s time someone did a search..— With inputs from IANS