IPL 2022: Lockie Ferguson’s over changed momentum, says Gujarat Titans’ captain Hardik Pandya | Cricket News – Times of India

PUNE: Chasing a 172-run target against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League match on Saturday, Delhi Capitals were very much in the game at 118/4, with skipper Rishabh Pant still at the crease. But a double blow from Lockie Ferguson in the 15th over, first to dismiss Pant for 43 and then Axar Patel, tilted the match in Gujarat’s favour.
The Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat ultimately won by 14 runs here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
“Not bad, to be honest. Very happy with the way everyone is stepping up on the right occasion…That over from Lockie changed the momentum,” said Hardik at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Despite the victory, Hardik believes that his team could have done better and put some more runs on the board.
“To be honest, I felt we were 10-15 runs short. I thought par was 185. When Rishabh was there, I thought the game was in the balance,” the Gujarat skipper added.

Pacer Varun Aaron could only bowl one over in the match and was taken off the attack. To cover up for Aaron’s three overs, Hardik had to give the ball to all-rounder Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tewatia, and they conceded 36 runs in the three overs bowled between them.
“Varun felt something happened to him. We were one bowler short. so we had to finish the game in the 19th over. The courage Tewatia and Vijay showed…they stepped up and helped us to win the game,” said Pandya.
Shubman Gill top-scored for Gujarat with his 84 off just 46 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes to take his team to 171/6 in 20 overs.

“Fantastic! This is the Shubman Gill we all want to see. The kind of confidence he’s carrying is going to come (rub off) to all the batters,” said Pandya.
With two wins in two matches, Gujarat have made a perfect start to their IPL journey and will take on Punjab Kings in their next match.