Gujarat Titans crowd of 104,000 watch Hardik Pandya lift IPL 2022 title

Not only did the Titans lift the title in their debut season, but a record also 104,000 spectators watched the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Record: Gujarat Titans crowd of 104,000 watches Hardik Pandya lift IPL 2022 title

BADSHAHBOOK: The IPL 2022 final between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals was special in several ways.

Not only did the Titans lift the title in their debut season, a record 104,000 spectators watched the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The world's largest cricket stadium has a total capacity of 132,000 and organizers said 104,859 fans turned up for the title match.

The highest recorded attendance for a white-ball match was the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with 93,000 watching.

Earlier, Kolkata's Eden Gardens used to regularly hold more than 100,000 spectators in the stands before fixed seating was introduced, reducing the capacity to around 68,000.

Gujarat dominated the final from the start, captain Pandya leading the way with the ball. Delivering his best performance of the tournament when it mattered most, the star all-rounder took 3-17 to restrict Rajasthan to 130-9.

 

He claimed the prized scalp of tournament top scorer Jose Buttler when he caught the Englishman for 39 to send the Titans on their way to victory.

In the chase, opening batsman Shubman Gill led a charmed life but remained unbeaten on 45 to complete the match with Obed McCoy's six over.

Pandya played his part with the bat as well, scoring a reasonable 34 off 30 balls to secure the man of the match award as well. Gujarat reached the target with seven wickets and 11 deliveries in hand.

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After leading his team to the IPL title in his first stint as captain of any major team, Pandya said he wants to repeat his performance at the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

His performance was closely watched by the Indian team management as questions were raised about his workload and ability to bowl four overs regularly as he had previously battled back problems.

Asked about his next goal, the 28-year-old said: “Definitely win the World Cup for India no matter what happens.

"I'm going to give it everything I've got. I've always been the type of guy to put the team first. For me, the goal will be simple: make sure my team gets as much as possible."
 

"It's always been a pleasure for me to represent the country... Long term, short term, I want to win the World Cup no matter what happens."
 

Former players including Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar have praised Pandya's calm leadership and he is now certain to make India's playing XI if he stays fit.

"Obviously it will be a bit special because I won it as captain," said Pandya, who won four IPL titles with Mumbai Indians before taking the leadership role in Gujarat.
 

“I consider myself very fortunate to get to play in five finals and lift the trophy five times.
 

“Obviously it will leave a legacy because we are a new franchise, playing for the first time and being champions in our first season.

Despite the defeat, Rajasthan captain Samson said the tournament was an overall success for the team.

"This season is really special for us, we have been able to play some good cricket and give the fans some happy moments," said Samson.

“All the juniors and seniors played well as a team, I am proud of my team. We believe quality bowlers will win the tournament, so we have invested in them...but there is a lot to learn.”

 

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