IPL 2022: Hardik is always giving us confidence, says Lockie Ferguson

Gujarat Titans fast bowler Lockie Ferguson stated that the team’s captain Hardik Pandya is always giving them the confidence to play the game they want after they defeated Delhi Capitals by 14 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday.

Ferguson opined that it is nice to have a captain who backs you during the game.

The New Zealander, who is known for his gun speed, was at his best against Delhi Capitals as he scalped four wickets and conceded only 28 runs in his quota of four overs. Thus, he played an instrumental role in restricting Delhi Capitals at 157-9 after Gujarat Titans posted a fighting score of 171 runs.

Ferguson accounted for Prithvi Shaw and Mandeep Singh in the powerplay overs to give an edge to his team. Subsequently, the fast bowler dismissed Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel in the 15th over, which was the turning point of the game.

Gujarat Titans have won both of their matches so far and Hardik Pandya has led from the front in these two opening games. Pandya has been batting at number four in the middle-order and he also bowled his full quota of overs against DC. The right-arm pacer conceded only 22 runs in his four overs and also dismissed Tim Seifert.

Lockie Fergusson said in the post-match presentation, “Was one of those nights and with the kind of bowling partners I have, makes things very easy for me. It’s great (to have a potent bowling unit) and helps to spread calmness in the group. The pressure was coming from both ends with the ball and it worked for us. I think it (bowling extra fast) is more of an instinct thing. There was a lot of bounce in the surface and I was looking to bang away on that hard length. Some gripped and it worked for me with Rishabh’s wicket. Was a good all-round performance from the bowlers. Hardik is always giving us confidence to play the game that we want to play and it’s nice to have a captain who trusts your skills.”

On the other hand, GT talisman spinner Rashid Khan was also delighted after the team’s win. Khan accounted for Shardul Thakur and conceded 30 runs in his four overs.

Rashid Khan said after the game, “Definitely! Enjoying my time here. Two games, two wins. So far so good. I am trying to contribute as much as possible. A bit of dew is fine. There wasn’t much dew here. Good conditions. The pitch wasn’t as supportive but length was the key. If you miss your length it is easy for the batters, so focusing on the length is important. First over I tried different grips to see which one is the right one on this wicket. A couple of good hits and five wides hurt me, so that is something I will take from this game and try to not repeat in the next game. Overall it was a good contribution.”

Hardik Pandya-led will next face Punjab Kings at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.