IPL 2022: Watch - Hardik Pandya slipped while attempting the catch of Jos Buttler
Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals have engaged in the 1st Qualifier in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League. Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl.
Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted a good total of 188 runs on the board. Rajasthan Royals will be happy after witnessing Jos Buttler in his prime form as he struck 89 off 56 balls in an important game.
Sanju Samson also played well and contributed 47 runs with the bat for his side. Chasing the target posted by the opposition, Gujarat Titans who entered this game as the favourites have defeated the opposition with 7 wickets in hand.
David Miller steal the show from Rajasthan Royals and remained unbeaten on 68 runs, smashing three back to back sixes off Prasidh Krishna when his side needed 17 off the final over of the game.
Hence, Gujarat Titans will move directly to the final whereas Rajasthan Royals have to play one more game to whom going to win in the Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants.
I've been given a role: David Miller
After defeating Rajasthan Royals in a riveting fixture, David Miller who smashed 68 runs has named Man of the Match and also shared his views about the game in the post-match presentation.
"I think opportunity, firstly (what's changed?). I've been given a role, I felt extremely backed from the outset. My personal game - I'm enjoying my role, I've been playing for many years now. Understanding my game a lot better," David Miller was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"In high-pressure situations, you tend to go away from your gameplan but I feel like I'm trying to keep everything together close to the gameplan. There has been a lot of going wide to me on the off-side, so I decided actually for the first time to step across. Backed myself and went with it. The rest I tried to hit as hard as possible," he added.
"That's the joys of IPL - you play for different teams, get to meet different players. It was a new team so there are a few butterflies here and there. From the first win, everything sort of aligned.
You have to control what you can, can't think too much ahead. Concentrate on your breathing, and if it's in your area, you have to capitalise. We've got a few days off. There's a bus trip back, we'll have a few drinks and celebrate," he further added.
Besides, during the game, Jos Buttler has been looked in good touch with the bat and dominated the opposition bowlers towards the end of the game. However, the latter has been dropped by Hardik Pandya when he was batting on 43 runs. But it was not Pandya's mistake as he has been slipped while going for the catch.
Watch the video here:
Watch Jos Buttler's fabulous knock against Gujarat Titans: