When it comes to the 2022 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), the inclusion of two new teams - Gujarat Titans (GT) & Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), made the tournament more intriguing and competitive. One of the key takeaways from this league wouldn't just be the players displaying their top-notch game and talent, but the team's coaching department’s dedication and commitment was for everyone to see.
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir took over the mentorship position at Lucknow camp and has been phenomenal with them. Not just providing some critical feedback to the player but showing his aggression and rejoicing in the dugout during the team's success. He has been one of the pivotal backbones behind the new franchise's successful IPL season, leading them to the playoffs.
Under the guidance of Andy Flower and Gambhir's mentorship, LSG has been phenomenal in the league stages of the tournament by winning eight matches out of 14.
But things didn't favour them in their first playoffs stint. Facing the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator match on Wednesday, they weren't good enough to stop them, who have now progressed to the second Qualifiers. Conceding a humongous total of 208, thanks to Rajat Patidar's century (112* runs off 54 balls), Lucknow failed to chase their target and lost the match by 14 runs. Rahul and Deepak Hooda have shown their efforts with the bat but in vain.
Predominantly known for his practical and straightforward approach to the game, the two-time world cup and IPL winning opener believed in his ways and was impressed with the new team's efforts. Indeed, it would be their memorable first tournament for the franchise.
After losing the eliminator match, Gambhir took to Instagram to appreciate the team's efforts. "Hard luck today but a great tournament for our new team. We'll come back stronger. Until we meet again!" read the caption on his recent Instagram post.
After the Eliminator, RCB would be taking over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the second Qualifier in Ahmedabad on 27th May. The winner of the game meets Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final on Sunday.