IPL 2023: Won’t be bragging, says Hardik Pandya after winning battle of brothers against Krunal Pandya

Hardik-led Gujarat Titans defeated Krunal-led Lucknow Super Giants by 56 runs.

Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya | BCCI-IPLGujarat Titans (GT) continued their domination in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) as they registered a thumping 56-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 7).

Invited to bat first, the defending champions piled up a massive 227/2 on the board on the back of Shubman Gill’s 51-ball 94* and Wriddhiman Saha’s 43-ball 81.

Defending the total, the Titans restricted LSG to 171/7. While the duo of Quinton de Kock (70 off 41) and Kyle Mayers (48 off 32) did well at the top for Lucknow, other batters failed to step up to the plate.

Mohit Sharma starred with the ball for GT, returning with the figures of 4 for 29 in his four-over spell.

After the game, GT skipper Hardik Pandya said he won't be bragging about the win after topping the much-anticipated battle of brothers against Krunal Pandya – LSG’s stand-in captain.

"I don't think there'll be bragging rights with Krunal. Our love is too strong, I hope he does well. I'd have been happier if things had gotten closer and he had some bragging rights too," Hardik said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Furthermore, Hardik lauded Rashid Khan for his incredible catch to dismiss Kyle Mayers, calling it the turning point of the match. Mayers and De Kock had given the Super Giants a blistering start, adding 88 runs in just 8.2 overs.

LSG’s innings fell apart after Mayers' dismissal as De Kock didn’t get able support from the other end.

"Rashid's catch changed the game, we started controlling the game. Both teams were driving at 100kph but that wicket caused a bump," the GT captain added.

With this victory, Gujarat Titans consolidated their position at the top of the IPL 2023 points table, extending their tally to 16 points from 11 games. They will next face Mumbai Indians on Friday (May 12).

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 08 May, 2023

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