Samay Dadlani ’24
Contributor
Even before the conclusion of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL), the hype for the next rendition has begun. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the addition of two new feathers on their wings. This means an addition of two new teams to the roster, the Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants.
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad night sky and confetti showered on the triumphant Gujarat Titans teammates, another season of the IPL had come to a breathtaking end on May 29, 2022, after two months of vigorous action. The Narendra Modi Stadium, thronged with over 100,000 fans, brought the roof down when Gujarat secured their maiden victory by overcoming the Rajasthan Royals in the thrilling finals.
During the assembling of the roster at the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, few gave Gujarat Titans an opportunity.
Multiple queries were presented regarding their batting prowess and doubts were roaming concerning the form of Hardik Pandya (Captain of The Gujarat Titans) in T20 cricket. However, the team proved them wrong by winning 12 out of the 16 games and emerging victorious in the finals with a concluding maximum shot by Shubman Gill.
A few players that had outstanding numbers throughout the season consisted of: Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dinesh Karthik etc.
Jos Buttler from Rajasthan Royals (runners-up) had won the Orange Cap by scoring the most runs in the season with a whopping total of 863 runs in 17 games. On the other hand, from the same team, Yuzvendra Chahal achieved the Purple Cap by claiming a total of 27 wicket — the most throughout the season.
From the Royal Challengers Bangalore, all rounder Dinesh Karthik had a spectacular season. He was awarded with the Super Striker of the Season attaining a high strike rate of 183.33.
During a press conference, Hardik Pandya mentioned, “This title is going to be a special one because we talked about creating a legacy. The coming generations will talk about it… Everyone will remember this was the team who started this journey and to win the championship first year is very special.”
This win completed a remarkable campaign for Gujarat, and its captain Hardik Pandya. From dominating the group stage games to staying unbeaten in the playoff rounds, Gujarat has been the standout side of the tournament. That being said, will Gujarat Titans be able to claim their second victory next year with such a dominating squad?
Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
The Crusader News 