Rajasthan Royals (RR) lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) by 7 wickets in the finals of the IPL 2022. Despite the defeat, RR captain Sanju Samson expressed pride in his team for putting up solid performances throughout the season and providing joy to the fans.

Samson described the 2022 season as a “special one” for his franchise.

"This season is really special for us. We have been able to play good cricket and give fans some happy moments. All the youngsters, seniors played well as a team, I am proud of my team," he said in the post-match presentation ceremony while talking to Star Sports.

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He also revealed that the team management believed quality bowlers would win you matches and that's why they invested in the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, R Ashwin,  Kuldeep Sen, and Obed McCoy, who have all been outstanding this season.

"We believe quality bowlers win you the tournament. So we invested in them. With Jos playing throughout 20 overs, my role was a bit different. It was a decent season for me, nice 30s and 40s, and 20s. But there is a lot to learn. And huge congratulations to Gujarat Titans." he added.

Opting to bat first, the Royals could only manage 130/9 with the man who had the season of his life Jos Butler leading the way with 39 runs off 35 balls. Hardik Pandya bowled an outstanding spell in which he took three wickets for just 17 runs in four overs.

Shubman Gill and Pandya (34 off 30 balls) stabilized the Titans' ship with a 63-run partnership for the third wicket before the captain was removed. Gill batted sensibly with a strike rate of slightly over 100 in a low-run chase, scoring 45* off 43 balls to play an innings of content. His six in the 19th over won the debuting franchise the match and the championship.

(STAR SPORTS INPUTS)