#COCExclusive Interview with Rahul Tewatia: "Always wanted to be a part of Kings XI Punjab."

Rahul Tewatia was bought for 10 lakhs by Kings XI Punjab

Young all-rounder Rahul Tewatia, hailing from Haryana, had been in good form in domestic T20 tournament which helped him to get a contract with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the India Premier League (IPL) at the IPL Auctions 2017. To celebrate his selection, the 23-year-old has shown some good promise with the bat as well as the ball in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy in which he represents his state, Haryana.

Team Circle of Cricket met with the youngster for an interview where Rahul talked about Kings XI Punjab, his current form and a lot more:

 

As a youngster yet to make a mark in the Indian Domestic season, did you expect yourself to be bought by a franchise in the IPL?

Yes. I was expecting to be sold in the IPL this year since I was in good form in the T20’s. I was bowling and batting really well whenever I got a chance.

You scored a few quick-fire 30’s and a 78* against Assam and taken a few wickets as well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy recently. What do you have to say about your current form?

My role in the Haryana team is to bat according to the situation and that is exactly what the team has been expecting out of me in the middle order. Thankfully, I am matching up to their expectations. I am watching the ball really well at the moment and I have an attacking approach towards my batting. With the ball, I have tried to keep things as tight as possible.

How excited are you to be a part of the Kings XI Punjab Line-up in IPL this year?

I remember being a part of Kings XI Cup a few years ago where I did not get a chance since there were experienced spin bowlers already in the team. At that time I used to feel that I would like to play for KXIP someday since it’s a team from the North. When I used to play for Rajasthan Royal a few years ago, I did well against KXIP in the two games and even got Glenn Maxwell out. Since that time I was inclined towards playing for KXIP.

KXIP have bought a few good players in the team this season. Who are you excited to meet this time and learn a few tricks?

All players are big names to me since they have got a chance to play in the IPL. I would learn to learn good things from everybody. Knowledge is a never ending process. But yes, I would love to interact with Viru Paji and Murali Vijay. Apart from these two, there is Mohit Sharma, Maxwell and Miller.

Since you are an all-rounder, who have been your favourite bowler and batsman?

My all-time favourite bower has been Shane Warne. I have grown up watching videos of his bowling and wished I could become like him. But there is only one Shane Warne (laughs). In terms of batting, I have always like Yuvraj Singh and his style of batting.

Tell us 3 things that you really like about Punjab as a place?

I have a lot of friends from the Punjab team so it will be good to play alongside them. Enjoyed visiting the Wagah Border. And then, I really like Diljit Dosanjh’s songs.

 

Rahul Tewatia with Team Circle of Cricket

 
 

By Umesh Lakhmani - 06 Mar, 2017

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