Gujarat Titans secured a thrilling win against the Rajasthan Royals where Shubman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, and Rashid Khan all stepped up. While Rahul’s heroics made headlines, his bowling skills might be utilized when the match situation demands it. However, Rahul Tewatia has addressed recent speculation regarding his bowling role in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.
Shubman Gill provided a solid platform with his 72 runs, while the lower-order duo of Rashid Khan (24* off 11) and Rahul Tewatia (22* off 11) delivered a stunning show. However, Tewatia also explained the team’s strategy during the tense run chase. With 40 runs required in the final three overs, he added that the importance of maintaining belief and taking calculated risks helped them win. He also praised Shubman Gill’s crucial knock as well.
Following their thrilling last-ball win over the Rajasthan Royals, Tewatia spoke at the post-match press conference, “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.”
However, Rahul Tewatia opened up about his approach to handling pressure situations. He also applauded the team management for giving him the freedom to play his natural game and shared that he practices specifically for such high-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 stated. “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.”
Rahul Tewatia also answered the question on his bowling. He told everyone that he hasn’t given up bowling entirely. He also acknowledged the presence of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, two talented spinners in the team who are doing well for the team.
“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.
