Picture Credit: Twitter
It has been quite a remarkable turnaround for all-rounder Rahul Tewatia. His life has not been the same since the 5 hit sixes he struck off Sheldon Cottrell in an over to help Rajasthan Royals chase a record total in IPL 2020. His innings, especially the manner in which he was able to believe himself despite struggling to connect in his initial few deliveries, made him a household name in India.
Tewatia continued his performances and his consistency in the IPL and later the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which has helped him earn a maiden India call up for the T20I series against England.
A dream IPL 2020
Tewatia had a breakthrough year in the IPL last edition where he not only scored 255 runs at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 139.34 but also proved to be more than a handy bowler, managing 10 wickets at a decent economy of 7.09.
The 27-year-old has now opened up on how difficult it was for him to break into his state team of Haryana and how that experience helped him to emerge as a better cricketer.
Imagine fighting for a spinner's place when Amit Mishra is in the side: Tewatia
“Imagine fighting it out for a place in the team which has legends like Amit Mishra Bhai. Then you had Jayant Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal has also represented the state team whenever he has not been busy playing for India," Tewatia was quoted as saying.
"The level of competition for spinners in the Haryana team is one of the toughest I would say. Finding a place and performing for Haryana not only gave me confidence but also helped me back my skills,” he added.
Cannot wait to share the dressing room with Virat: Tewatia
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Picture Credit: Twitter[/caption]
Tewatia said that although he has played against Virat Kohli in the IPL, he would now get to share a dressing room with the batting legend. He further said that he would try to learn by observing the players' work ethics and what helps them succeed against the best in the world.
“So far, I played against Virat Kohli in the IPL. Now I will play with him and share the dressing room with him. Cannot wait to share the dressing room with him and some of the best cricketers in world cricket," he said.
"It will be all about learning from them and understanding how they compete against the best in the business and succeed," Tewatia signed off.
The T20Is will be played after the conclusion of the four-match India vs England Test series, with the first white-ball game set to happen at Ahmedabad on March 12.