'It's a lie' - GT head coach Ashish Nehra, Hardik Pandya indulge in banter after IPL 2022 triumph

The new entrants Gujarat Titans (GT) scripted history after winning the prized Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in their very first appearance. The GT skipper Hardik Pandya displayed a brilliant performance with both bat and ball as the Titans went on to win the contest easily in the end.

After winning the trophy, skipper Pandya got together with head coach Ashish Nehra for a casual interview. The senior all-rounder said that fans did not believe in their team to start with. However, they proved many wrong and won an IPL edition in their first try.

“We have hit a six in the very first year. We became the champions and can’t be prouder. People said our batting and bowling aren’t that strong, but since we won the trophy, everything is good,” said Hardik in a post uploaded by the official Instagram handle of the IPL.

 

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“Nehra is someone who goes to practice first. So, if everyone has already batted, the general thing is to go. But for Nehra, if 20 minutes are left, he would ask players to bat again. The way we played, the credit goes to him because he has made everyone work hard with a lot of passion. Anyone who goes out in the middle either says he will middle the ball or bowl with great line and lengths,” Pandya said. However, Nehra denied his words saying that “it is a lie”, as he signed off with a smiling face.

Coming to the match, RR after winning the toss, opted to have a bat first. However, some disciplined bowling from GT bowlers ensured that the Royals manage only 130 runs in their 20 overs. Mohammed Shami, Dayal, Rashid, Hardik and Sai Kishore were the wicket-takers for the new entrants. In reply, GT went on to chase the target easily with seven wickets in hand.