“Shubman Gill provided us continuous momentum" - Rahul Tewatia

Gujarat Titans registered a thrilling last-ball victory against the Rajasthan Royals, courtesy of some quickfire knocks from captain Shubman Gill (72), Rashid Khan (24* off 11) and Rahul Tewatia (22* off 11). However, after the win, Tewatia spoke at the post-match press conference, opening up on how Gill has been in sublime form, his bowling plans etc.

Shubman Gill played a key knock

However, Rahul Tewatia explained the team’s strategy during the tense run chase as well when they needed 40 runs in the final three overs. He also opened up on the importance of maintaining belief and taking calculated risks. He applauded Shubman Gill’s crucial knock for providing a strong foundation and commented on the team’s deep batting lineup as well.

“In the last three overs we needed 40 runs and I was batting with Shahrukh Khan and Rashid Khan was still to come. We were just telling each other that two or three hits can change the game. We are in it. Furthermore, we just have to believe in ourselves. And play according to the situation. Shubman Gill provided us continuous momentum. He provided support till last and we have deep batting. Rashid Khan plays at No.8. The plan was to take game as deep as possible,” he added.

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Rahul Tewatia opined on his approach to handling pressure situations. He applauded the team management for giving him the freedom to play his natural game and also revealed that he practices specifically for such high-pressure scenarios to help the team win.

Rahul Tewatia opens up on his preparation for pressure situations

“The team knows how I back my strengths and they have given me full freedom to execute those plans. Even I practice I stimulate same match situations on how will I bat if the same situation occur in the match,” he shared. “There was no pressure on us to win, its a long tournament. We have lost two matches, and losing two matches dont make a team a champion or knocks them out of the IPL. It’s a very long tournament. And in this match our motive was to avoid mistakes that we have been committing in past IPL matches. We kept believing in our abilities. There was no pressure from management side.”

However, Rahul Tewatia also answered the question about his bowling. He said that he hasn’t given up bowling entirely. He also acknowledged the presence of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, two brilliant spinners in the team as well. However, he added that bowling remains a part of his cricketing arsenal.

“No I haven’t left bowling. It;s just we have Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. And if these two spinners are in a team, I dont think there is need of third spinner in a team. They both are just too good in the middle overs. I am also waiting for my bowling but I definitely dont have left bowling,” he concluded.