Gujarat Titans’ skipper, Hardik Pandya, has admitted that his team should have finished the game much earlier in their recent IPL match against Punjab Kings, despite securing a six-wicket win. Pandya said that they were in a comfortable position during their chase, but they let the game go too deep and were in trouble at one point. However, Rahul Tewatia played a crucial role in the Titans’ success, helping the team to cross the finish line.
Speaking about their performance after the match, Pandya mentioned that there were several areas in which the team needed to improve. He highlighted the need to take more risks in the middle overs and finish the game early. The skipper also noted that they needed to go back to the drawing board and learn from the game.
“To be very honest, I would not appreciate the game to go this close from the situation we were in. There was definitely a lot for us to learn from this game. That’s the beauty of sports, it’s never over till it’s over. We need to go back to the drawing board. They bowled really well. Luckily all our batters are in good nick. We should take risks and play shots in the middle overs, need to make sure the game doesn’t go so deep,” Pandya said during the post-match presentation.
Pandya also praised the performance of veteran pacer Mohit Sharma, who made his first IPL appearance in three years. Sharma, who joined the Titans as a net bowler last year, was signed by the defending champions during the auction. In his debut match for the franchise, he picked up two wickets, conceding just 18 runs in four overs. Pandya was impressed with Sharma’s performance and gave credit to West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph, who picked up one wicket and gave away 32 runs in his four overs.
“The wicket was good but because of the hardness of the soil and wicket, the ball was getting dried up. It was a belter when the new ball was playing. I was not surprised when Mohit and Alzarri came. They bowled terrific. Credit to Mohit to come join us as a net bowler and then wait for his chance, knowing his time will come and today it came,” Pandya added.
