Gujarat Titans, a relatively new entrant in the world of professional franchise cricket, has made a remarkable impact with its astounding debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, this team’s journey to the top is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of the Gujarat Titans and their triumphant 2022 season.
Inception of Gujarat Titans
The story of the Gujarat Titans began in 2021 when the Indian Premier League’s Governing Council invited tenders for two new teams. With a high base price for the new franchises, the competition was fierce, and only a handful of serious bidders emerged from the initial 22 companies. The Board of Control for Cricket in India allowed consortiums of three companies or individuals to bid for each franchise. In October 2021, the prestigious CVC Capital Partners clinched the rights to operate the Ahmedabad franchise with a staggering bid of ₹5,625 crore (US$700 million). The foundation for the Titans’ IPL journey was set.
Captaincy Under Hardik Pandya
Before the IPL 2022 auctions, the Gujarat Titans made a pivotal move by appointing Hardik Pandya as their captain. Pandya, known for his swashbuckling style of play, brought his charisma and leadership to the forefront.
Gujarat Titans’ Maiden Title in 2022
The 2022 IPL season was historic for the Gujarat Titans. Their auction strategies and initial selections faced criticism, and many doubted their capabilities. However, the Titans defied all odds and stunned the cricketing world with their extraordinary performance.
The Titans secured their first-ever victory against fellow debutants, the Lucknow Super Giants. This victory set the tone for their inaugural campaign, where they exhibited sheer brilliance. Gujarat Titans went on to win 10 of their 14 group matches, topping the table with 20 points. Their journey to the final was filled with memorable moments, including their wins against the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the qualifiers.
In the final showdown against Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans produced an exceptional performance, restricting their opponents to a mere 130 runs. The Titans then chased down the target with 11 balls to spare. Shubman Gill, a key figure in the victory, sealed the match with a winning six in the 19th over. Hardik Pandya’s all-around excellence earned him the Man of the Match award. He delivered outstanding bowling figures of 3/17 and contributed a crucial 34 runs from 30 balls.
Critics and fans alike praised Pandya’s leadership, his exceptional bowling skills, and his contribution with the bat. The synergy within the team and the strategic brilliance of the management were highlighted as key factors in their title win.
Gujarat Titans’ debut IPL title made them the second team to achieve this feat in their first season, with the Rajasthan Royals being the first. Notably, they were the first team to claim the IPL trophy in their debut season while competing against teams that had been part of the league since its inception in 2008. For Hardik Pandya, this victory marked his fifth IPL title and the first as a captain, having previously won all four with the Mumbai Indians.
Indian Premier League Summary
| Year | Total | Wins | Losses | No result | Win % | Position | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 75.00% | 1 | Champions |
| 2023 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 64.71% | 2 | Runners-up |
| Total | 33 | 23 | 10 | 0 | 69.70% |
By opposition
| Opposition | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 50% |
| Chennai Super Kings | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 60% |
| Delhi Capitals | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.66% |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.66% |
| Punjab Kings | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.66% |
| Rajasthan Royals | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80% |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.66% |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.66% |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
Team Anthem and Home Ground
The Gujarat Titans’ anthem ‘Aava De’ resonated with fans and added to the team’s identity. Their home ground, the prestigious Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Gujarat, served as the fortress where they created history.
Kit Manufacturers and Sponsors
The Titans’ 2022 kit featured EM as the manufacturer and adorned Ather as the front shirt sponsor, BKT at the back, and Capri Loans as the chest branding. As they gear up for the 2023 season, fans eagerly anticipate new partnerships and sponsorships that will further elevate the Gujarat Titans’ brand.
The Gujarat Titans’ debut season in the IPL was a story of resilience, teamwork, and an inspiring journey that culminated in a historic championship. As they look ahead to their future endeavors, fans can’t wait to witness more thrilling cricketing moments from this dynamic team.
Highest Totals
| SCORE | OPPONENT | GROUND |
| 233/3 | MUMBAI INDIANS | AHMEDABAD |
| 227/2 | LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS | AHMEDABAD |
| 214/4 | LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS | AHMEDABAD |
| 207/6 | MUMBAI INDIANS | AHMEDABAD |
Lowest Totals
| SCORE | OPPONENT | GROUND |
| 125 | DELHI CAPITALS | AHMEDABAD |
| 135 | LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS | LUCKNOW |
| 143 | PUNJAB KINGS | DY PATIL |
| 144 | LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS | PUNE |
Most Runs
| PLAYERS | MATCH | INNINGS | RUNS |
| SHUBMAN GILL | 33 | 33 | 1373 |
| HARDIK PANDYA | 31 | 30 | 833 |
| DAVID MILLER | 32 | 29 | 740 |
| WRIDDHIMAN SAHA | 28 | 28 | 688 |
Most Wickets
| PLAYERS | MATCH | WICKET |
| MOHAMMAD SHAMI | 33 | 48 |
| RASHID KHAN | 33 | 46 |
| MOHIT SHARMA | 14 | 27 |
| NOOR AHMAD | 13 | 16 |
Gujarat Titans Squad
Noor Ahmad, KS Bharat, Yash Dayal, Shubman Gill, Alzarri Joseph, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Abhinav Manohar, Shivam Mavi, David Miller, Darshan Nalkande, Hardik Pandya, Urvil Patel, Wriddhiman Saha, R Sai Kishore, B Sai Sudharsan, Pradeep Sangwan, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, Mohit Sharma, Odean Smith, Rahul Tewatia, Matthew Wade, Dasun Shanaka, Jayant Yadav
