'I fear we may run out of luck in knockout games' - Hardik Pandya on GT winning close encounters in IPL 2022

Gujarat Titans managed to pull off yet another close encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad after an excellent finish from Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan. Needing 22 to win off the final over, Rashid managed to hit four sixes in the over and took his side to victory with an 11-ball 31 while Tewatia played an outstanding knock of 21 ball-40 as well. Gujarat has been able to find different match-winners in every game and it has taken them to the top of the points table as well with seven wins in eight games.

In the game against CSK, GT pulled off a win in the final over with David Miller (94*) and Rashid (40)’s brilliance. In the game against KKR, GT had to defend a low score and they managed to pull it off despite Andre Russell’s scare towards the end. Such has been their campaign this year and skipper Pandya revealed his opinion about the luck favouring them consistently so far.

We’re ensuring that the players are backed well: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya noted that he saw the funny side of close games going their way so far in the tournament and felt that they might run out of luck in the knockout games if it keeps continuing. He lavished praises on the support staff that has worked really have so far inside the net session and noted about backing each player on their responsibilities. He added that he would bowl only if it is needed and doesn’t want to risk himself unless it’s needed.

“I keep joking in the dressing room that God is telling us ‘You guys are good, I’ll help you’. It’s happening so often that I fear we may run out of luck in the knockout games,” Hardik told Star Sports after the match.

“We keep a very chilled atmosphere and everyone is stepping up. We’re ensuring that the players are backed well. It’s just a conscious decision to manage my bowling, plan is to bowl whenever the team needs me. It’s a long tournament and I don’t want to get too excited early. We’re quite practical, we’ve spoken about winning these situations and there is a lot of self-belief in the camp,” he added.