IPL 2022 | Lockie Ferguson is Gujarat's X-factor, believes Shubman Gill

Gujarat Titans are kicking up quite a storm going into the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League. Led by Hardik Pandya, the latest entrant in the cash-rich league has assembled a strong unit with the likes of Matthew Wade, Lockie Ferguson and Mohammad Shami picked in the auction. 

Even ahead of the mega-auction, the Titans had put in a lot of work roping the services of Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill to fill key positions in the line-up. Gill for one was a very aggressive acquisition given Kolkata Knight Riders had included him in the leadership group for a couple of seasons, and were clearly thinking of him as a long-term prospect. Gill has had two strong seasons back to back in the IPL and is surely going to be a force to reckon with in his new franchise. However, when asked about who is going to be the X-factor for GT this season, Gill stated that it was Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson who could go on to be the difference between Titans and the other sides in the tournament.

“When we were in Kolkata Knight Riders, he was a huge asset for us and I am sure he is going to be a huge X-factor for us in the Gujarat Titans squad," NDTV quoted Gill from a media conference.

Ferguson is one of the highest rated pacers in the T20 circuit, for his ability to bowl at the excess of 150ks with a short run-up. His expertise extends beyond just bowling with fearsome pace, being a death over specialist for his ability to ping in yorkers at will. The tearaway pacer has been in good for in the domestic competition this season, picking up 9 wickets from his last 5 T20 matches.

Speaking from his hotel room while serving his mandatory quarantine period, Gill stated that he has not quite had time to speak with the Titans management, but he hoped that he can figure his role out soon. The right hander is known for his ability to play a sheath anchor and can play long innings to get his team out of trouble.

"I have not gotten in touch with Hardik Pandya or Ashish Nehra because I have been in quarantine. As soon as I get out, we will get our plans sorted and I will have much more clarity on my role both individually and for the team as well."

The Indian Test opener further added that it felt great to be part of the Titans setup and hopefully will be given a position where his voice mattered.

"Like you asked me if I will be able to help Hardik, yes if he is willing to ask me for advice, obviously I will help him in any situation," Gill concluded.