- The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament has concluded by throwing up a new champion side and that too competing for the first time. The Gujarat Titans led by the inspirational captaincy of the mercurial allrounder Hardik Pandya has not only surprised the cricket pundits no end but also brought to the fore the hitherto unknown skills set of the player out in the open as well. Now, Hardik Pandya is an impactful player in all formats of the game and is quite well known in the cricketing firmament. His unique quality to make an impact or change the complexion of the game whilst batting and bowling, apart from fielding, is quite invaluable for any team. His commendable performances are worthy of emulation, no less.
PC: Kunal Dhyani
- We all know there were valid concerns raised from different quarters about Pandya’s bowling abilities for quite some time. He proved his bowling fitness by not only cracking up a decent enough pace but also taking crucial wickets without being too uneconomical during the tournament. He was particularly devastating with the ball in the final bagging three wickets as also remaining unconquered while chasing the target. This particular show of Pandya augurs well for the Indian cricket per se since two world cups are on the horizon in the coming months. Obviously, Pandya alone is not the reason for the Gujarat Titans winning the highly competitive tournament. There were several equally invaluable contributors to the winning cause too.
- Some prominent players like Shubhman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, Wriddhiman Saha, David Miller, Rashid Khan, Yash Dayal, and Lockie Ferguson contributed handsomely. As the saying goes that the captain is as good as the team, and winning any team competition must be complemented by several key players, the Gujarat Titans were well served by the mentioned cricketers. One standout player is none other than the South African David Miller who came with crucial knocks when it mattered most. Of course, the Afghan leggie Rashid Khan is a respected T20 bowler and he lived up to those expectations admirably by restricting the batsmen at one end thereby allowing others to take wickets. But what was revealing was the way Rashid Khan delivered with the bat.
PC: SOUMYA BONTRA
- Rashid’s crucial contributions to a winning cause by clubbing several sixes in a few league stage matches proved to be an added bonus for the Titans. The true cricket connoisseurs will agree that the shortest format of the game hinges on spur of the moment changes where intuitive decision-making makes or mars the eventual outcome of the match. And those decisions are the exclusive domain of the captain alone. It is here that Hardik Pandya proved his mettle when certain game-altering decisions proved to be decisive in the end. Now that his fitness concerns are adequately addressed, Hardik Pandya can resume his Team India duties with renewed vigour. Deservingly, hearty congratulations to the Gujarat Titans for lifting the cup.
