IPL 2022 Final: Hardik Pandya Achieves List Of Milestones After Leading Gujarat Titans To Title Triumph

Gujarat Titans emerged champions of IPL 2022 following their seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya starred with his all-round brilliance – claimed three wickets for 17 runs and scored 34 runs off 30 balls with the bat in the middle overs.

Hardik Pandya becomes the third captain in debut season to lift the IPL trophy

Hardik’s role was crucial in the chase as Gujarat Titans had lost Wrriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade in the powerplay overs. The Titans skipper stabilized the innings with a 63-run stand with opener Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 45.

Gill hit the winning shot – a six off Obed McCoy over square leg- to finish the game with 11 balls to spare and etched Gujarat Titans’ name on the studded IPL trophy. Hardik registered numerous records in Titans’ title-winning campaign in IPL 2022.

The 28-year-old became the third captain to win the IPL title in debut season with the late Shane Warne in 2008 for Rajasthan Royals and Rohit Sharma in 2015 for Mumbai Indians being the other two examples.

Hardik was awarded Player of the Match (POTM) for his tremendous performance in the final. The Baroda player is the third captain to bag the award after Anil Kumble and Rohit Sharma.

Kumble, who led the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2009 final, picked 4/16 against now-defunct franchise Deccan Chargers, although it turned out to be in a losing cause.

Meanwhile, Rohit scored 50 off 26 balls, including six fours and two sixes, as MI beat CSK by 41 runs in the 2015 IPL final.

Hardik Pandya levels with Kieron Pollard, and Ambati Rayudu in count of IPL titles

With Gujarat Titans’ title in their first season, Hardik has won the IPL trophy five times. He was previously part of Mumbai Indians’ title triumph in 2015, 2017, 2019 & 2020.

The Indian all-rounder levelled with Kieron Pollard and Ambati Rayudu in winning five IPL titles. Only Rohit Sharma has been part of most IPL winning teams – five for Mumbai Indians and one for Deccan Chargers in 2009.

Also Read: IPL 2022 Final: ‘High-Profile Player But Incredibly Humble’ – Gary Kirsten Lauds Hardik Pandya