Hardik Pandya has been a crucial part of the IPL Title winning teams for a total of five teams. However, the victory that he got from winning the final match of the Indian Premier League 2022 was incomparable and one of the historic moments. Hardik Pandya, as a captain, has led Gujarat Titans to win the prestigious IPL Trophy of the tournament. That too, he made sure, to win in his first season as a skipper as well as Gujarat Titans initial entry year. The final match took place between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 29th of May, 2022. GT won the match by 7 wickets and as a matter of fact, Hardik Pandya was awarded as the Player of the match.
“I want to win the World Cup no matter what”: Hardik Pandya In The Post-Match Interview:
Hardik Pandya performed exceptionally well, both with the bat as well as with the ball. He brilliantly showed off his all-rounder skills with scoring 34 runs off 30 deliveries and taking 3 crucial wickets by just conceding 17 runs. In the post-match interview, Hardik was asked about his plans for the near future and the fact that his back injury is no more a threat for his bowling. He replied, “Absolutely to win the World Cup no matter what happens. I am gonna give it everything I have. Always been that kind of guy to put the team first. For me the goal will be simple: to make sure my team gets it the most.”
He was also asked about how he feels being back and selected in the Indian Cricket Squad. “Playing for India has always been kind of dream come true no matter how many games I have played. It has always been a pleasure for me to represent the country. The kind of love and support I have got it is only from the Indian team point of view. Long term, short term, I want to win the World Cup no matter what happens.” However, Hardik Pandya did have the chance to be the part of the World Cup winning squad. Including the 2016 T20 World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy and also the 2019 World Cup.
The winning captain was asked if this victory was a little bit more special than the other wins he had experienced in IPL. “Obviously this will be a little special because I have won it as a captain. The four that I have won before this are equally special too. Winning IPL is always special. I considered myself very lucky that I have played five finals, and lifted the trophy five times. Obviously, this will leave a legacy because we’re a new franchise, playing for the first time, and we’re the champions in the first season. But the four that I’ve won before this were equally special.”
Yuzvendra Chahal from Rajasthan Royals was named as the Purple Cap Holder. He took a total of 27 wickets in 17 matches. Also, even the Orange Cap was given to RR’s batsman, Jos Butler who ended up scoring 863 runs. Umran Malik, from Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, was honored with the award of Emerging player of the season.
