TATA IPL 2022: X-factor players for Gujarat Titans in playoffs

Gujarat Titans have been a phenomenal side in their debut in the IPL. The Hardik Pandya led side has toppled top sides of the league but the litmus test awaits in the playoffs.

Gujarat Titans while debuting in the IPL had signed Hardik Pandya as a captain. The seemingly tangible action seemed deceptive because Mumbai Indians were short of their man who partnered anchoring inning with Kieron Pollard when the side lost early wickets. Gujarat Titans weighed heavy in the auction with the likes of Rashid Khan, Hardik Pandya, Shubhman Gill, and Mohammed Shami. The side, so far, has registered victory in the vaguest situations with either of their player remaining in the hunt to wallop the opposition to help GT march towards victory.

The likes of David Miller and Rahul Tewatia have not only ensured fireworks while wrapping up the match but have also driven GT ahead against all the odds. Throughout the journey, an idyllic site for the franchise, GT have firmly positioned them for playoffs but the litmus test awaits the debutants. The pressure in the playoffs has turned the table upside down for even favorites against the underdogs. The dominants don’t find them fine-fettle while a loud cheer echoes in the stadium from either end. Gujarat Titans will be hopeful for its x-factors to carry the weight when their Mr. dependent captain will cave under pressure.

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Rahul Tewatia

If the climbing run rate holds off the Gujarat Titans from plundering a victory, Rahul Tewatia would be the right man to push ahead. The all-rounder left-handed batsman wouldn’t just pull the side out of the exacerbating milieu but also raise eyebrows for smiting the ball in the stands amidst loud roar of fans. Tewatia’s average bowling puts him ahead in the list of the x-factors for the side.

Rashid Khan

Undoubtedly, one of the legends in making for glistening the stumps by his googlies. Rashid Khan isn’t just hard to pick but also dominates the batsman with his phenomenal experience he scratched around by playing cricketing leagues worldwide. Rashid isn’t just a pick to lead the bowling attack but is also a fine finisher who can water down the opposition’s hopes when Gujarat would dangle on his shoulders. Rashid Khan has picked 11 wickets and has also finished a match for the side.

Hardik Pandya

The skipper of the side, who has remained consistent in his efforts while bagging consecutive fifties, hasn’t failed to put skids under rampaging innings by the opposition. Quite a lot of things define his leadership. His communication with the bowler when the opposition batsman gets going. His ability to step up to the plate when the side dangles after successive wickets. The factors have set the tone for the side. Hardik Pandya has, so far, scored 308 runs in 8 matches, edging out the contestants to find spot in the team India as fast bowling allrounders.