It was all about making sure we respect this game: Hardik Pandya on the run chase

Gujarat Titans became the first team to secure their place in the summit clash of the Indian Premier League after recording a seven-wicket win in a nail-biting game against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 at the Eden Gardens. 

In pursuit of 189, the Titans needed 16 off the last over, and David Miller smashed three successive sixes of Prasidh Krishna to get his team over the line and storm into the final. 

Earlier in the day, after electing to field first, the Titans were off to a dream start as Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the last ball of the second over to dent the Royals early in the innings. 

Despite the stutter, Sanju Samson took the attack to the opposition bowling unit and smashed 47 off 26 deliveries studded with five boundaries and three sixes to help the Royals get off to a flyer. 

However, his wicket at the halfway mark dented the scoring rate before Jos Buttler unleashed a flurry of strokes to power the team to 188 runs in the first innings. With luck by his side, the right-handed batter scored 89 off 56 deliveries to help the team score a mammoth first innings total. 

In the post-match interview, Sanju Samson revealed that the wicket was tough to bat initially in the powerplay with a lot of swing on offer.

"We felt good to put up that kind of total as the wicket was a bit sticky, and there was a lot of swing in the powerplay. It was a bit two-paced, and bounce was also not even to play your strokes," he said.

In pursuit of 189, the Titans were jolted early as Wriddhiman Saha was dismissed for a two-ball duck. However, an unbeaten partnership of 106 runs for the fourth wicket between Hardik Pandya and David Miller guided the Titans home. 

The skipper of the Titans shared insights on the journey of the side and said, "It's all about making sure we respect this game. Rash has been fantastic throughout the season and throughout his cricketing journey. But I'm proud of Miller and the way we have played. The batting order we've had - we've had to make sure everyone chips in and we appreciate those 10s, 15s, the 20s.

"I've started to balance things in my life. Has been a constant effort through the last couple of years. In the end, my family, my son, my wife, and my brother as well have played a big role. They kind of allowed me to get neutral in life. I look forward to going home and spending some time with family, and that's made me a better cricketer as well," he said on his thoughts of leading the side to the final. 

Despite the loss, Rajasthan will play the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 27, at Ahmedabad and Samson hopes for some luck with the coin toss going his way in that massive game. 

"In this format, luck and the toss play a huge role, so it all comes down to what you want to do in your control. Hoping for a good result in the next game," he concluded.