As the 15th season of the Indian T20 League nears its business end, there is increased anticipation among spectators over the Indian Premier League 2022 finals. The efforts of the two newbies Gujarat and Lucknow have been particularly exceptional, they are challenging for their maiden title.
Well before the Indian Premier League (IPL) started, heavyweights like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) were inclined to speculate on possible strategy contenders. defending champions, they have made the playoffs in all except one of their campaigns, whereas Mumbai has won five times.
Matters have transformed considerably as the competition has progressed. Despite Mumbai has lost 8 games in a row and merely started contributing after the much damage done in the points table. Chennai is only one rank ahead of the bottom of their great rivals.
GT and LSG are showing the same zeal as former successful teams MI and CSK
But it’s the newbies Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants who have fired up the competition and are poised to progress. The duo has shown the same zeal as Mumbai as well as Chennai in the earlier seasons, and it will take a lot to control their powerhouse.
It allowed newcomers to choose up to 3 members from former players from 8 existing teams, as long as they were in rhythm with their peers. Both franchises used their draught choices well before the mega auction.
Gujarat Titans chose all-rounder Hardik Pandya as skipper, alongside Rashid Khan as well as Shubman Gill, whereas Lucknow Super Giants went for KL Rahul, and Marcus Stoinis as well as Ravi Bishnoi. They’ve really had a big impact on their teams’ achievements.
A wise auction established well-rounded teams from around a basic set-up. Therefore it required the sides to perform on the battlefield. Gujarat Titans, led by a crafted Hardik Pandya, has been making headlines for its unwavering determination and thrilling triumphs. Because of a reappearance of a back ailment, all-rounder Hardik Pandya was dropped from the Indian squad well before IPL.
This is a significant qualifying test for the T20 World Cup further this year, and he has performed admirably so far in IPL 2022. He has advanced to No. 4 and is his team’s top scorer (309). He has also succeeded with the ball in hand, often bowling 2-3 overs at 7.56 runs per over and grabbing 4 wickets. His leadership approach has inspired the squad to be much more aggressive.
Well-balanced Squads
The fresh and promising opener Subhuman Gill has provided the side some encouraging starts, whereas David Miller, who had previously battled to ensure consistency in the IPL, has now discovered it. Miller has amassed 287 runs.
Rahul Tewatia was Gujarat’s genuine standout finisher. He previously chastised by Ricky Ponting when playing for Delhi Capitals, has reemerged as among the most destructive batsmen in the current IPL season, with no circumstance beyond his control. He hit 2 sixes off the final 2 balls to help Gujarat defeat Punjab Kings, a magnificent 59-run partnership with Rashid Khan in a comeback victory versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, and also mirrored the same with Miller versus Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In a summary, Gujarat seems to be operating very well at this point. The current crop of batsmen, bowlers, and lower-middle order players are all capable of winning matches.
Simultaneously like Gujarat, KL Rahul has done an excellent job of leading Lucknow from the front. The graceful right-hander has 2 centuries and an equivalent share of half-centuries. Known for his disappointing start, Rahul has been hammering at a 145 strike rate, and scored 451 runs so far.
Also, the South African star Quinton de Kock has been a fantastic companion for Rahul. The team’s batting lineup seems formidable, especially to middle-order batsmen notably Deepak Hooda & Krunal Pandya.
Lucknow has benefited from the bowling of Mohsin Khan and Ravi Bishnoi. Mohsin has only featured 4 games, but his excellent starts suggest he will be used often. Bishnoi has been costly yet has delivered breakthroughs when essential.
Gujarat currently leads the points table and has clinched a berth for the playoffs after defeating Lucknow in their most recent match. While Lucknow has settled into 2nd place in the standings, they will aim to conquer their upcoming matches handily in order to secure a spot in the playoffs. It is essential to note that Gujarat defeated Lucknow twice in the IPL 2022, having a dominating edge.
