Despite being drafted into the IPL as a leg-spinner, Rahul Tewatia has formed a big reputation as a finisher with the bat earlier for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and now for Gujarat Titans. He has won matches for both franchises from situations of no return.
Everyone remembers him hitting Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in an over in Sharjah for RR against Punjab Kings during an IPL match and then he did it again in IPL 2022 for Gujarat against Punjab Kings, when he demolished Odean Smith with big shots in an close encounter.
He once again showed his finishing prowess in the recent IPL 2023 match between GT and PBKS, when 4 runs were needed off the last 2 balls for the defending champions to win the match and Tewatia shuffled outside off, went down on his knee, and lapped the ball towards fine-leg for a four.
“Leg side was a bigger boundary, could have gone for a two but it looked risky. In my mind I thought playing a ramp was a better shot. I backed myself to play the shot and executed it perfectly,” he told reporters after the match.
Tewatia also explained how over the years he had perfected the role of a finisher.
“I was given this role in 2020 when I was playing with Rajasthan Royals. In the 14 league games, you tend to bat in such situations eight or nine times. Most of the time batting comes in 13-14 overs. For the last 3-4 years, I have been practicing this. I set targets for myself through match situations. Match stimulations in open nets also gives me a better idea on how to take chances in a particular situation and how I should finish the match,” he said.
Led by seasoned Mohit Sharma, its pacers were able to restrict Punjab to a below-par score.
“We train in the same academy. We are from the same city. I was happy to see him play his first game for GT. He was with us last year but as a net bowler. He changed the match scenario for us in the middle overs,” said Tewatia on Mohit Sharma’s comeback.
Tewatia also had encouraging words for Yash Dayal, who was hit for five consecutive sixes by Rinku Singh in an entertaining encounter between GT and Kolkata Knight Riders (RR) a few days ago.
“He was one of our main bowlers. We became champion last season and he played a massive role in it. He bowled well with the new ball as well in the death last year. One match cannot change the fact of what he has done for us. I don’t think anyone in the team has given him any sympathy.
I told him, ‘One match has gone bad. If you want to go down then only you can hit the rock bottom otherwise at GT no one will ever make you feel bad about it. Keep practising and execute what didn’t happen that day and wait for your chance. This is the worst, you can’t go any lower than this,” he said.
GT will now host Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 16 at home.
(Indian Express inputs)
