Rahul Tewatia Credits Hardik Pandya for His IPL Success

A lot of players in the last couple of years have emerged as “finishers” but one of those who have stood out as the best is Rahul Tewatia. The Gujarat Titans finisher Rahul Tewatia was earlier part of the Rajasthan Royals team. However, owing to the mega auctions, he was released and then picked up by Hardik Pandya’s team. Tewatia was quick to fit into the role at his new franchise and the player credits his success to his captain.

Hardik Pandya has curated a rather strong team than expected. Last year, the team having three likes of Wriddhiman Saha, Rahul Tewatia and Vijay Shankar was looking considerably weak on paper. But, not only were they able to emerge at the top of their games but also won the trophy. While some considered it to be beginners’ luck, Hardik Pandya and his team once again staying at the top of the table proved that they were a strong team.

What more do you need when the captain shows such confidence in you, says Rahul Tewatia

Ahead of the Gujarat Titans versus Mumbai Indians game, Rahul Tewatia spoke about his IPL success and the role of captain in it. “This season he has given me two match bats. He brought new bats one day and asked me to check them. I told him they were ready to be used in a match and he said: keep them. Those are the bats I’ve played with so far this season. Last season, after seven or eight matches, he told me: ‘Good to see that you’re consistently finishing matches for us.’ Every time we’d be in a tough situation, he would say: ‘Oh, I know that Tewu will finish the job for us.’ What more do you need when the captain shows such confidence in you?” Rahul Tewatia said.

Rahul Tewatia continued by saying that, in contrast to before, when his spot in the starting eleven was in doubt, he is happy that his family now watches him on television. He recalled how earlier in his IPL days there was uncertainty about his team selection. The player has had two 200+ seasons since his debut. This year he might have not gotten much opportunity to bat but has a strike rate of 203.23.