IPL 2023: I’ve been practising the same thing for three-four years – Rahul Tewatia

Gujarat Titans batter Rahul Tewatia has become a pro in finishing nail-biters for his team. Tewatia was once again in the spotlight when four runs were needed off the final two balls against Punjab Kings at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday.

Finishing the innings is not something new to Tewatia and he continued his love affair against Punjab Kings when he played a paddle sweep against Sam Curran on the penultimate ball of the innings to help his team win by six wickets.

Tewatia scored five runs from only two balls but it was a crucial cameo with David Miller (17 off 18 balls) struggling to find his Midas Touch at the other end.

Tewatia revealed he has been playing the same role for the last three-four years and has practiced accordingly in the net sessions.

Tewatia said in a post-match press conference: “Nothing happens overnight. I was given this role in 2020 when I was with Rajasthan Royals. When your role is defined, you have clarity about it. When you are batting at 6-7, you are likely to bat in such [crunch] situations 8-9 times in 14 league games.

“I have been practicing for this in the last three to four years. I practice and set targets for myself through match simulations, which gives me an idea on how to finish matches.”

The left-hander revealed he backed himself to play that shot against Sam Curran when the pressure was on him.

“I was thinking I could go for a double (two runs) on the leg side, which is the bigger side of the ground. But I felt it was slightly risky. There were two balls left, so I thought that (scoop) was the better shot. The ball was reversing a bit. I backed myself to play that shot and executed it.”

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill scored 67 runs from 49 balls whereas Mohit Sharma returned with impressive figures of 2-18 to keep PBKS to 153.

Gujarat Titans will next take on Rajasthan Royals on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.