IPL 2022 | Hardik Pandya joins Rohit Sharma, Shane Warne in an elite list

Gujarat Titans (GT) overpowered Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the arm-wrestle for IPL 2022 title at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, May 29. Culminating a remarkable maiden season, the Titans showed neither first-final nor first-tournament jitters at the title clash, pipping Sanju Samson and co. by 7 wickets in front of over 100,000 roaring spectators.

Winning captain Hardik Pandya led from the front by bringing years of his Mumbai Indians' playoffs experience to the fore. For starters, the mercurial all-rounder bowled with pace, aggression and deception to reduce the Royals to a modest 130-9 with figures of 3-17.

He later returned to chart a calculated 34 with the bat in an intense run-chase. Unsurprisingly, the Baroda-based cricketer was adjudged as the 'Player of the Match' in the final.

Hardik Pandya managed to join an elite list featuring legendary cricketers post-Gujarat Titans title glory.

To begin with, the 28-year-old became only the third captain in history to lead his side to an IPL title on his first stint as leader. Previously, Australian legend Shane Warne skippered Rajasthan Royals to victory in the tournament's inaugural edition back in 2008. Later, Rohit Sharma matched the feat while leading Mumbai Indians in 2013.

Hardik Pandya also became the third skipper to win 'Player of the Match' in an IPL final. Earlier, Sharma had won the honours in the 2015 final in a title clash against Chennai Super Kings and Anil Kumble managed to do so in 2009 against Deccan Chargers but unfortunately, he ended up on the losing side.

Considering his recent wave of unswerving all-round performances, inspirational captaincy and leading Gujarat Titans to the championship, Pandya is all but confirmed to be retained by the franchise for their title defence campaign next year.