Led by Hardik Pandya, Gujarat Titans (GT) won the IPL 2022 title in their debut season with a 7-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad.
When Hardik Pandya was appointed as the captain of the Indian Premier League's new franchise Gujarat Titans (GT), many questioned the franchise's move. Many claimed that it was an emotional move since the all-rounder hails from Baroda.
However, Pandya gave a befitting reply to his critics as he led GT to clinch the IPL 2022 title in their debut season with a 7-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday.
Good time to quote Henry Ford? 😇
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right!" pic.twitter.com/jJK3kF66ji
Over one lakh spectators gathered at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad got entertainment worth their money as Gujarat chased Rajasthan's target of 130 runs in 18.1 overs, with opener Shubman Gill (45 off 43) smashing Obed McCoy for a six to hit the winning runs.
Hardik Pandya once again led from the front as he bowled a brilliant spell, conceding only 17 runs in four overs and bagging three big wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Purple Cap holder Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer off the last ball of his spell.
Batting first, the Royals managed to put just 130 runs on board, with Buttler again top-scoring for the one-time IPL champions.
In reply, Yuzvendra Chahal dropped Shubman Gill on 0 in the first over bowled by Trent Boult, but Prasidh Krishna got an early breakthrough as he clean bowled Wriddhiman Saha in the second over. With a low total to defend, bowling his third over, Boult removed Matthew Wade to put Rajasthan in the driver's seat.
However, GT skipper Hardik Pandya once again kept his cool and added a match-winning 63-run stand with opener Shubman Gill. After Hardik Pandya (34 off 30 balls) was dismissed by Chahal, Gill played a match-winning knock and carried his bat throughout the innings.
Pandya's eagerness to learn as captain, his ability to effectively engage with his teammates and his all-round show with both the bat and the ball has contributed massively to Gujarat Titans' title-winning run on IPL debut.
AAPDE GT GAYA!
WE ARE THE Champions 2⃣0⃣2⃣2⃣! | | | pic.twitter.com/wy0ItSJ1Y3
Team mentor Gary Kirsten, who coached India to the 2011 World Cup title, praised the skipper, who excelled in the team's first season.
"He has been fantastic. I've loved working with him. He's a high-profile player in India, but he's incredibly humble, wanting to learn as a leader and engage with his players, which I think is really, really important. He's tried to help the youngsters. He's come in and played a different responsibility," he told the IPL host broadcaster.
Not just Kirsten but several other cricket pundits, former and current cricketers, lauded Pandya's leadership and his performance. Here's a look at some of the reactions, which indicates that perhaps the Gujarat Titans skipper has silenced his critics once and for all:
They had a plan and they played to it magnificently. Everyone seemed to rise into their role but no one more so than Hardik Pandya who climbed his highest peak
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)Hardik Pandya handed the trophy to the young Afghanistan WK Gurbaz and moved into the side for celebration - he is continuing the great legacy. pic.twitter.com/udwF5ehYa7
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)By the way, Hardik Pandya is gold for any team once he’s fit to bowl.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)GT showed us what it takes to win the world's toughest T20 championship.Being debutants, they never let the pressure affect their superlative performance. Great leadership from &
many congratulations to . Enjoy the trophy!
Gujarat Titans. Ufff…what a rocket season. Hardik Pandya producing a stellar effort in the grand finale. Found different match winners in different games…what a season. 🥳👏🤩
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)Well done 🏆 . Fabulous play throughout. you're an absolute champion ❤️❣️ you'll can be proud of yourselves . Great tournament ❤️
To every player , support staff, groundsmen, broadcasters, administrators and to all fans 1\2
What a dream debut season for Gujarat Titans. has been absolutely brilliant as a leader and player. This has been a fantastic IPL and great to see a new champion. Jos Buttler was in a league of his own and Rajasthan Royals can be proud of their season. pic.twitter.com/dnTKOoAO4K
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)Fantastic achievement for a new franchise … If India need a captain in a couple of years I wouldn’t look past … Well done Gujurat ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)HARDIK the BOWLER is back .. what a spell captain 🔝👏
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)To be honest, the difference between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals was Hardik Pandya. Both teams have gun bowling attacks…but Hardik brought the much needed balance in the XI…something RR didn’t have. None of their top 6 batters bowled.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)No one deserves this more than Hardik Pandya, led from the front MOM in congratulations 👏
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta)The kind of stuff dreams are made of.
Hardik Pandya led from the front, wonderful backroom staff led by Ashish Nehra kept the atmosphere relaxed and the best team in the tournament wins the with more than a lakh people watching it in the stadium.Superb pic.twitter.com/0YTbjYCzDa
Congratulations Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya on your maiden title win.
Over dependence on Butler costed Rajasthan Royals heavily.
"Gujrati agar, gujrat main bhi haar gaya to jeetega kaha", well done hardik pandya, you deserve this king, take a bow. ♥️
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari)