IPL 2022 Final: We Needed To Start The Tournament Well – Mohammed Shami

Gujarat Titans pace bowler Mohammed Shami said the team wanted to start well in the tournament.

On Sunday, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans lifted their maiden IPL title in the first season itself. The Titans outsmarted Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in front of a raucous home crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in IPL 2022 final

Skipper Hardik led from the front in the important clash of the tournament and starred with both bat and ball. Hardik claimed three wickets for 17 runs from four overs with the dismissals of Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Shimron Hetmyer.

Barring Buttler (39) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22), no other batter managed to score above 20 as the Royals posted a meagre score of 130 in the first innings.

Shami castled Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag on the final ball of the first innings to finish 1/33 from four overs.

We needed to start the tournament well: Mohammed Shami

Shami claimed 20 wickets in 16 matches this season at an average of 24.4 and an economy rate of 8. The 31-year-old finished as the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2022 winners.

Shami started the season on a high note with Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul’s wicket on the very first ball for Gujarat Titans. The Indian pacer talked about the dismissal and his bond with Bengal teammate Wriddhiman Saha.

“We needed to start the tournament well (on the first ball dismissal of KL in the team’s first game), set up a template for the team. The idea was only to start well for the team, concentrate on the line and length,” Shami said on Sunday after Gujarat Titans were crowned champions of IPL 2022.

“We (himself and Saha) have known each other well for the last 20 years and have a good understanding as well,” he further said.

Titans opener Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 45 (three fours and a six) and hit the winning shot – a six off Obed McCoy over square leg.

Also Read: IPL 2022 Final: If India Need A Captain, Wouldn’t Look Past Hardik Pandya – Michael Vaughan