Finishers stepping up is the major reason behind Gujarat Titans' success: Lalchand Rajput

The Gujarat Titans have been the most successful team in the Indian Premier League 2022 with eight wins in nine league matches, and occupy the pole position in the points table. The key force for the team has been the composure shown by the middle-order, which has sealed the game with their ball-striking capabilities. Ahead of their fixture against Punjab Kings (PBKS), former Indian cricketers Lalchand Rajput and Deep Dasgupta discussed the form of their finishers.

Rajput reckoned that if any team has the presence of two or three finishers, it makes the task easier to have a late flourish on most occasions. He then hailed Rahul Tewatia as one of the best finishers in recent years. Rajput said Tewatia can punish any bowlers on his good day. Further, he said that two sixes of the last two balls require grit and character, and Tewatia displayed that in an incredible manner against Punjab Kings earlier this season.

“In a team, if you have got two or three finishers, and if one gets out, the other two can continue the momentum. This is what is happening with Titans because [Hardik] Pandya controls the game and is an excellent finisher. But if he gets out, Tewatia has been one of the best finishers in recent times. He can certainly massacre any bowling attack on his day. To go out there and show your grit and character in such pressure situations and against top-class bowlers, that’s the best thing,” said Rajput on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

‘Can certainly compare GT’s middle-order with Pollard and Pandya brothers’ – Deep Dasgupta on Titans’ middle-order

Dasgupta thinks the real strength of Mumbai Indians was Kieron Pollard and Pandya brothers, and the same type of performance has been on display with the likes of Tewatia, David Miller, and Rashid Khan for the Titans. He further added that if the players are in this kind of form, the opposition will always be under pressure.

“The main strength of Mumbai Indians over the years was Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya. You can certainly compare their performances with what these guys are doing here. Hardik has been brilliant at number three, with Miller and Tewatia and not to forget Rashid Khan. When you have the players in this kind of form, the opposition would be in a winning position but still be under pressure,” said Dasgupta.