Mitchell McClenaghan expresses excitement ahead of IPL 2022 final

New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has expressed his excitement on Twitter ahead of the much-awaited IPL 2022 final which is set to be played between the new entrants Gujarat Titans and the inaugural edition’s champions Rajasthan Royals. McClenaghan has played 56 matches in his IPL career in which he has scalped 71 wickets with an average of 25.39 and an economy rate of 8.49 runs per over.

He played his last match for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings in the final of IPL 2019 when Mumbai claimed the title in a thrilling encounter by one run. Recently, McClenaghan in his tweet talked about Royals’ senior batter Jos Buttler and Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya indicating the importance of this match for both the players.

I am excited for Jos Buttler and Hardik Pandya – Mitchell McClenaghan

“While I’m not phased by who wins the IPL final, I’m excited that Jos Buttler gets an opportunity to win a title after returning home for his last. And Hardik Pandya gets the chance to lead a side to a championship after 4 title wins,” McClenaghan tweeted ahead of the final of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League.

While I’m not phased who wins the @IPL final I’m excited that @josbuttler gets an opportunity to win a title after return home for his last. And @hardikpandya7 gets the chance to lead a side to a championship after 4 title wins.

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) May 29, 2022

To note, both the new entrants of IPL 2022 Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants reached the playoffs of the tournament by claiming the first and the third spot respectively. Gujarat confirmed its position in the final of the IPL 2022 by defeating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Qualifier 1.

Rajasthan, meanwhile, won against Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets in the second qualifier to confirm their clash against Gujarat Titans in the final of IPL 2022. It will be the first IPL final as captain for both Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya. Rajasthan have reached the IPL finals after 14 years since their first appearance in the finals of IPL 2008 when the Shane Warne-led side claimed the title after defeating Chennai Super Kings by three wickets.