Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan fast bowler has urged the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to go all out and defeat the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2022 final as a tribute to their former captain Shane Warne.
The legendary Aussie spinner, who captained the RR franchise in the initial years of the IPL and also led them to victory in the inaugural edition in 2008, passed away in the first week of March at the age of 52. Shane Warne led the Rajasthan Royals side to title glory during the Indian Premier League’s inaugural edition in 2008, thus becoming the first-ever and the only captain-cum-coach to win the IPL to date.
Shoaib Akhtar Wants Rajasthan To Win IPL 2022 In Memory Of Late Shane Warne After 14 years
The Rajasthan franchise has been paying tributes to ‘the first Royal’ right through their IPL 2022 campaign. The overwhelming sentiment in the camp ahead of the final is also about winning the IPL trophy in honor of Shane Warne. Speaking ahead of the IPL 2022 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Shoaib Akhtar also hoped for the same.
He said: “One team (Rajasthan) has made the final after 14 years. In memory of Shane Warne, I hope Rajasthan go out there and smash Gujarat.”
He, however, conceded that IPL 2022 new entrant Gujarat Titans has the edge in the final. Asked to make a prediction, he backed Gujarat to lift the title in their maiden season.
Shoaib Akhtar added: “Heart says, ‘RR win it for Shane Warne’. They have faced a lot of difficulties to reach the final after 14 years. But, as I had said earlier, I also always wanted one of the new teams to win because they have played so well. I will go with Gujarat.”
David Miller stepped up to the challenge and scored an unbeaten 68*(38) which powered Gujarat Titans to a successful chase and a place in the finals chasing 189 in the Qualifier 1. Rajasthan’s Jos Buttler’s 89 went in vain.
Shoaib Akhtar Reckons Both Rajasthan And Gujarat Will Be Nervous In IPL 2022 Final
Sharing his views on what the two IPL 2022 finalists will be going through, Shoaib Akhtar admitted that there are likely to be a few nerves in both camps.
The 46-year-old stated: “Both Rajasthan and Gujarat will be nervous. RR will have a point to prove as they have made the final for the first time since 2008. They will be excited and their aggression will be over the moon. On the other hand, Gujarat will also want to leave their mark in their first season.”
While GT reached the IPL 2022 final by defeating RR in Qualifier 1, Rajasthan got the better of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by seven wickets in the Eliminator to confirm their place in the summit clash.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) marched to the finals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 with a comprehensive 7-wicket win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
A spectacular batting display by Rajasthan’s opener England’s Jos Buttler, who slammed his fourth century of the season, powered RR to a clinical 7-wicket win and sealed their spot for the final.