Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 7 wickets in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, May 24.

Losing the toss and batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted a score of 188/6 on the board. Jos Buttler shined with the bat as he scored brilliant 89 runs and captain Sanju Samson made a terrific contribution of 47 runs.

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Chasing the target, GT lost the wicket of opener Wriddhiman Saha in the first over for a duck. However, Shubman Gill and Matthew Wade had a brilliant partnership. In the end, David Miller and Hardik Pandya had a century stand and they took GT past the finish line. Gujarat Titans also booked a spot in the final of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

I’ve started to balance things in my life – Hardik Pandya

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya said that his family has played a big role in his growth as a cricketer. He explained:

“I’ve started to balance things in my life. Has been a constant effort through the last couple of years. In the end, my family, my son, my wife, and my brother as well have played a big role. They kind of allowed me to get neutral in life. I look forward to go home and spend some time with family, and that’s made me a better cricketer as well.”

Hardik Pandya added that all the players in the Gujarat Titans squad bring different characters and they all are genuine human beings. He elaborated:

“Don’t have much feeling right now. Trying to be neutral again I’ll say. All the 23 players are different characters, bring different things to the table. Was saying to Miller as well, if you have good people around you, you get good things. It’s been that story for us.

“The kind of people we have, the genuine human beings we have.. I genuinely see even the players in the dugout are trying and praying for them to make sure they do well. That is something fantastic and that is the reason we have reached where we have reached.”

Gujarat Titans captain also lauded Rashid Khan and David Miller for their brilliant performance for the side in the cash-rich league.

“It’s all about making sure we respect this game. Rash has been fantastic throughout the season and throughout his cricketing journey. But I’m proud of Miller – the way we have played.”

While talking about his batting position, Hardik said that he plays wherever his team demand him to play. He said:

“Wherever my team requires me to play, I don’t generally demand where I want to bat. That’s not how I’ve got success. I’ve got success by playing for the team, no matter how scratchy I look, how good I look, irrelevant for me.”

Hardik Pandya signed off by saying that they make sure everyone in the batting order makes some contribution and they appreciate every contribution from the players. He asserted:

“The batting order we’ve had – we’ve had to make sure everyone chips in. We appreciate those 10s, 15s, and 20s.”

Also Read: GT vs RR: Watch – Jos Buttler Gets Run-out For 89 In Qualifier 1

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