How Gujarat Titans, a new team, won IPL 2022

On May 29, 2022, Gujarat Titans (GT) showed the world that nothing is impossible. A new team, a captain who just came back from an injury, all the odds were stacked against Gujarat when the tournament started.

Many had written off the team, citing that there was depth in the squad. But in 16 matches, GT proved everyone wrong by winning 12 matches.

The Hardik Pandya-led side with Ashish Nehra as the head coach and Gary Kirsten as mentor worked closely with each and every player. And in the finals, they completely overpowered Rajasthan Royals in a one-sided game.

We take a look at what made Gujarat team the champions of Europe.

A STRONG BOWLING LINEUP

Gujarat had one of the best bowling lineups in the tournament with Mohammed Shami and Lockie Ferguson leading the pace attack, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore in the spin department. Rashid especially had a spectacular run with the bowl as he scalped 19 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 6.60.  

The bowling department of Gujarat had enough depth as they also had Pandya and Alzarri Joseph in the squad. 

TEWATIA AND MILLER - THE BIG HITTERS

The quick knocks from David Miller and Rahul Tewatia lower down the order gave more depth to Gujarat's batting. Miller looked in a stunning form this season as he scored 481 runs in 16 matches at an average of 68.71. 

Tewatia also averaged 31 in 16 matches scoring 217 runs. While Shubhman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha gave them strong opening partnerships, Tewatia and Miller ensured that they finished the matches.

A SOLID SUPPORT STAFF

Head coach Ashish Nehra and mentor Gary Kirsten tactfully worked to keep the balance in the team. Even when the team looked tense at moments, Nehra kept his cool and always backed his players. Kirsten, as the mentor, kept the atmosphere warm.

"I loved working with Nehra, he is tactically very good. Nehra is someone who can understand me and knows me as a person and gets the best out of me," said Pandya.