On this day in 2022: Newbies Gujarat Titans win their maiden IPL title

History beckoned as Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans (GT) clinched their maiden IPL title in their first-ever season, on this day in 2022 against Rajasthan Royals. The two franchises squared off at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the coveted trophy after a phenomenal campaign in the group stage and playoffs.

Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bat first. What followed was an underwhelming start by the Men in Pink as the Royals lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for 22 runs. Jos Buttler carved out a rather delicate knock of 39 off 35 balls. However, following his dismissal, Gujarat ripped through the batting order and restricted them to a meagre 130 runs in their 20 overs. Skipper Hardik Pandya was at his lethal best as he got three wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs.

Gill plays a match-winning knock

During the paltry chase, Rajasthan put pressure on the home side. They got the prized scalps of Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade for scores of five and eight runs, respectively. However, opener Shubman Gill bailed his side out of the precarious scenario and helped get the big runs.  The flamboyant right-hander played a delicate knock, scoring an unbeaten 45 runs off 43 balls. He was aided by skipper Hardik and explosive hitter David Miller, who contributed massively to the chase.

Hardik got 34 off 30 balls whereas Miller slammed an unbeaten 19-ball 32. Miller’s blazing knock included three fours and one six at a solid strike rate of 168.42. Furthermore, his unbeaten 47-run stand with Gill helped him assert their dominance against the rival side. Gujarat eventually claimed the win by seven wickets. With this, Gujarat lifted their first title in their debut season.