Follow UsHardik Pandya underlined the importance of building a T20 team with a strong bowling unit after Gujarat Titans clinched the IPL 2022 title by beating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the final on Sunday.
Pandya felt that GT's maiden title win in debut season will be remembered for generations.
"This is the right example for any team in the world. If you can play as a team and build a good unit with genuine people around, wonders can happen," Pandya said at the title presentation ceremony.
"I and Ashu pa (Ashish Nehra), we like to play proper bowlers. Batters can obviously chip in, but most of the time I have seen in T20 cricket - it's a batter's game but bowlers win you games," he added.
Pandya, who previously won four IPL titles with Mumbai Indians, was pleased with the efforts his teammates put in.
"A lot of times we won the games as well, but we always spoke about what are the things we missed out and how we can get better from here. Everyone chipped in. Count myself lucky winning 5 finals, it's been exciting. This is going to be a special one," the Baroda allrounder said.
The 28-year old said that the franchise set out to create a legacy.
"We spoke about creating a legacy. Generation to come, everyone will remember this was the team who started this journey and to win the championship first year is very special," Pandya said.
Pandya led his team from the front in the final claiming 3-17 and then scoring a vital 34 off 30 balls while chasing 131 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
"Wanted to show at the right time what I've worked hard for. Today was the day from the bowling point of view I saved the best for the best. Second ball of my spell when I got Sanju out, saw that if you hit the wicket hard and hit the seam something is gonna happen," Pandya said.
"Batting comes first to me, always going to be close to my heart. When we got the auction done it was clear I had to bat higher to guide," he added.
Kirsten hails shared responsibility within team
Gujarat Titans mentor Gary Kirsten credited the tactical nous of head coach Ashish Nehra which helped the team get out of tough situations and pull of chases that looked daunting.
"It’s fantastic, really happy for the guys, they’ve put a lot into the tournament, great for Ashish (Nehra) and Vikram (Solanki) as well. You’re looking for good balance, good depth in the auction but most importantly you’re looking for players who can do different roles, the one thing we’ve learnt with Ashish is finding guys who were versatile, and at 4, 5 and 6 - we’ve got that," Kirsten said.
"I’ve loved working with Ashish, he’s really strong tactically - trying to put a gameplan together on the fly is not easy. There are so many variable in each game, but what I’ve enjoyed has been the responsibility players have taken to win games for us," he added.
Kirsten, who won the 2011 ODI World Cup with India, was effusive in his praise for Pandya's leadership skills.
"He has been fantastic, I’ve looked working with him. He’s a high-profile player in India but he’s incredibly humble, wanting to learn as a leader and engage with his players which I thing is really, really important. He’s tried to help the youngsters, he’s come in and played a different responsibility."