Watch as Shubman Gill pulls off Kapil Dev 1983 World Cup final-esque backward running catch for GT against LSG in the IPL 2022.
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Gujarat Titans (GT) made a fine start to their first-ever IPL campaign as they reduced fellow newcomers Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 29/4 inside five overs in the IPL 2022 contest at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday.
Veteran India fast bowler Mohammed Shami used his experience to the fore to run through the LSG top-order — KL Rahul (0), Quinton de Kock (7) and Manish Pandey (6) — to help GT make a head start in the IPL 2022.
His compatriot Varun Aaron, meanwhile, picked up the wicket of Evin Lewis (10) with a quicker delivery after using his slower deliveries more often in his initial spell. However, it can be called a fielder’s wicket, as prolific India opener Shubman Gill showed his brilliant athleticism to run a long way backwards and dive to pocket the catch.
The move also reminded of former India captain Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup final-catch running back from mid-wicket to dismiss West Indies’ legend Viv Richards.
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Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, won the toss and opted to bowl citing dew as one of the major factor at Wankhede stadium. His fellow India compatriot and opposition captain KL Rahul also highlighted that it is a pretty straightforward decision to bowl after winning the toss due to the conditions at the iconic stadium.
“We are going to bowl. First game we want to see how exactly the wickets are playing and keeping the dew factor as well. We wanted to see, assess and go through from there. It is always special to play in Wankhede because I have had some amazing memories here. It is a different role, different team but the feeling is same. We want to win here and let’s see how it goes. We are going to give all the guys full freedom to express themselves. Lockie, Wade, Rashid and Miller are the four foreigner players,” Pandya said at the toss.
“I think it is pretty straightforward when you play in Wankhede, everyone wants to bowl first. The dew plays a big part in the second innings but the wicket remains the same throughout 40 overs. It is our first game and it is important to go out there and enjoy ourselves, put a good total on the board. New franchise coming together and for us players we get to set a legacy, do our best as players, not much changes for us. Everyone has come in with a fresh mindset and wanting to win games of cricket. Three overseas players: Evin Lewis, Quinton de Kock and Chameera,” Rahul said.
