Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Gujarat Titans have been a pleasant surprise for all cricket fans in this season of Indian Premier League. Their captain Hardik Pandya has proven himself once again after injuries and has been incredible on the field. His leadership illuminates with flamboyance as the Titans play a fearless brand of cricket.
This self-expressive and maverick attitude continues on the team’s Instagram as they posted a picture trolling all the teams they have beaten so far to reach the top of the table. The post comprises of picture of an ‘Uno Draw Four card’, with colours of the teams below them. These teams are Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Emphatic Gujarat triumph
The IPL debutants defeated the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs in the previous match. The team was led by their captain Hardik Pandya’s immaculate all-round performance where he scored 87 off 52 balls with eight fours and four sixes as he batted with a strike rate of 167.31. Titans posted a total of 192 which proved to be difficult for the Royals.
The Rajasthan batting couldn’t get going as they were losing wickets at regular intervals. No batter other than Jos Butler and Shimron Hetmyer could play comprehensively as they were restricted at 155 for nine at the end of their 20 overs. Debutant Yash Dayal and Kiwi speedster Lockie Fergusson each picked up three wickets for the Men in Pink.
The team is gelling well: Pandya
In the post-match interview, Hardik Pandya was elated by the team’s performance and was also contented with his own knock. He talked about the team gelling together and all players are happy of each other’s success. Pandya was quoted saying, “Always good to win. It is just cramps. Not used to batting for so long. Gives me time though to calculate. Today I got the rhythm and planned my knock.”
“It allows the others to play freely. I have done the other role where I have scored 12 balls 30. Captaincy is always fun. Be the flagbearer of the team. I wanted all of us to be happy for each other's happiness. That is working well for the team", he concluded.