IPL 2022 – RR vs GT – “I wanted to show what I worked hard for, and today was today”

“[On team composition at auction:] Good balance and good depth but more importantly to have players who can play in different ways. With Ashish we learned that you need men who are versatile, and we have that in positions 4, 5, 6..”

“[On his batting:] On any given day, I would have gotten more cup than hitting me at 160 or 170 [strike rate]The team is the most important, no matter which team I play with. I’ve always been that kind of person. The outside noises don’t bother me, and if I have to sacrifice and have a worse season and my team still wins, I’ll take it.

“Me and Ash Pennsylvania [Ashish Nehra] They are similar in terms of wanting to play five top players, who can win matches throughout the day…Most of the time I’ve seen in T20 cricket, it’s hitters but bowlers win matches.”

Hardik Pandya

“[On batting at No. 4:] I always imagined myself as a hitter. Hitting comes first to me, it will always be close to my heart, so, obviously when we did the auction, it was obvious that I had to take charge of the steering… I’ve been in this kind of situation before, for my team I thought it was the best position [No. 4] For me for the batsman, so all the other batsmen can come and express themselves.

“[On team combination:] me and Ashu Pennsylvania [Ashish Nehra] Similar in terms of wanting to play five proper bowlers, who can win matches all day long. Obviously the bats can get involved and make sure that whatever we’re asking the batsmen can raise their hands and say ‘we’re there’. But, most of the time I have seen in T20 cricket, it is the game of hitters but bowlers win matches.

“[Titans behind the scenes:] A lot of the time, we won the match, but we always talked about the things we missed and how we could do better. Much of the credit goes to all the support staff, from Ashish [Nehra] to me [spin-bowling coach and scout] Ashish Kapoor, Gary [Kirsten], Physicists to Masseurs, Logistics Team; Everyone participated, and were there to make sure all the guys were comfortable, and feel at home.

“[On how this win is different from his previous IPL title wins:] Obviously, I consider myself lucky. I’ve been to five finals and won five times. It was exciting. This is going to be a special task because we’ve talked about creating a legacy and making sure… this is for the next generation, and everyone will remember that this is the team that started this journey and… the first year. [for us in the IPL] Winning the championship is very special.”

“People said we were short, and short on experience. The franchise showed faith in David, me and Hardick. Now we’ve won, so there’s nothing left to say.”

Rahul Toatia

“[On the final:] We modified ourselves very quickly with a wicket. We knew it was kind of a wicket if they scored more than 150 it would be difficult but we have to play in the right area and that’s what happened. Everyone took responsibility, the midfield was really important and we threw the ball really well.”

“[On his feelings in the moment:] I don’t know anything about the party, but when the season started, someone asked me “what are your goals for IPL 2022?” I said my only goal was to win a cup with my new team. I don’t know about the party, but I definitely won’t sleep tonight.

“[On the team:] People said we were short and short on experience. The franchise showed faith in David, me and Hardick. We’ve won now, so there’s nothing left to say.”

“I think winning the IPL is as big as winning the World Cup and this is my fifth year and I’m lucky enough to win it this time.”

Chopman Jill