Hardik Pandya says Gujarat Titans' first loss of IPL 2022 a 'learning curve'

Gujarat Titans Hardik Pandya chalked the loss to Punjab down to a batting experiment that didn't pay off. Photo by Deepak Malik / Sportzpics for IPL

Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya said Tuesday's defeat by Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League can be chalked off as a batting experiment gone wrong.

After Pandya chose to bat, Punjab restricted table-toppers Gujarat to 143-8 and then chased down the target with four overs to spare for an eight-wicket victory.

With bowlers struggling to grip the ball in the second innings of evening matches because of the dew, Pandya's decision baffled many but the all-rounder had no regrets.

"I absolutely back our decision to bat first because we need to put ourselves in difficult situations as well where we come out of our comfort zone," Hardik said after only their second loss in 10 matches.

"We have been doing pretty well in chasing, but we have always wanted to make sure we put our batters under the pressure when the big game comes.

"If we have to bat first, we should know exactly how we have to go. It was an exercise that we wanted to try.

"We didn't get the kind of rhythm or the start we wanted but it's okay, this loss was a learning curve.

"We need to be coming out of our comfort zone and try to bat first and put ourselves under that pressure."

IPL leaders Gujarat play basement side Mumbai Indians on Friday.