Gujarat Titans clinch IPL title in debut season after seeing off Rajasthan Royals

Hardik Pandya and captain Shubman Gill star as a record 104,859 spectators watch the curtain come down on the 15th edition of the franchise competition

Ahmedabad: Rajasthan Royals 130-9, Gujarat Titans 133-3 - Gujarat Titans won by seven wickets

Scorecard

Gujarat Titans completed their journey from Indian Premier League newcomers to champions in just one season after overcoming Rajasthan Royals in front of a world record crowd in Ahmedabad.

The 104,859 spectators that packed into the Narendra Modi Stadium reportedly makes the final the best-attended live game in history.

And while the contest didn't live up to the billing in terms of drama and entertainment, it will live long in the memory of the Titans who roared to victory without fuss.

Royals had the tournament's leading run-scorer Jos Buttler in-toe but he made just 39 from 35 balls as they made just 130 for 9 from their 20 overs.

Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers with four frugal overs that went for just 17, while he picked up the wickets of Buttler, Sanju Samson (14) and Shimron Hetmyer (11).

^(BCCI)

In the reply, Titans lost Wriddhiman Saha (2) and Matthew Wade (6) in the power but they quickly rallied and were quickly back on track.

Gill and player of the match Pandya (34) put on 63 for the third wicket before an unbeaten stand worth 47 with David Miller (32) saw Titans over the line.

And it would fittingly be Gill that sealed the victory with a six flicked high into the stands to finish unbeaten on 45 as the celebrations began in the dugout.

"I wanted to show what I had worked hard for," said Pandya.

"Today was the day I saved the best for. The second ball I bowled after getting Sanju out, I realised you could bowl that hard length.

"I will take the trophy any day over striking at 160. My team comes first for me. Batting comes first to me, it's been always close to my heart. When the auction finished, I knew I would have to bat at No.4."