RR vs GT: Gives Me A Lot Of Time, I Can Calculate And Take Risk - Hardik Pandya After 52-ball 87 Against RR

Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Hardik Pandya led from the front in what was the perfect game for him against the table-toppers, Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday.

GT batted first and was down three wickets for 53 when Hardik Pandya joined hands with Abhinav Manohar and stitched the match-winning partnership. He then carried on the momentum and built another quickfire alliance with David Miller, helping GT post a total of 193 on the board.

Eventually, it proved to be far too much for Rajasthan Royals. They were restricted to 155 with Lockie Ferguson and debutante, Yash Dayal taking three wickets each for GT.

“Pretty special. A lot of hard work for me tonight. It was just cramps, nothing serious. I am not used to batting this long. It gives me a lot of time. I can calculate and take risks. The last game it did not come off but today I made sure I did.“

“I have been in this situation where I have taken the role of scoring 12-ball 30. It is difficult but now at four, I can control the game. Captaincy is fun and it allows me to take responsibility and be the flag-bearer. The group carries one another. My motto was I wanted everyone to be happy,” Hardik said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

With the victory, GT now sits atop the IPL 2022 points table with 4 wins in 5 matches. As for Rajasthan, they are now in 3rd place with KKR moving up to second courtesy of a better net run rate.

Final scores:

GT – 193/5 in 20 overs
RR – 155/9 in 20 overs

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