Cricket

IPL 2020: That was the worst first 20 balls I have ever faced – Rahul Tewatia

Rajasthan Royals batsman Rahul Tewatia became a hero from zero after his blistering knock of 31-ball 53 against KXIP at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The southpaw was under the scanner after he was struggling to make any contact with the ball.

The left-hander, who was sent as a pinch hitter to up the run-rate, failed to get going in the initial phase of his innings. In fact, the strategy of the team management was questioned by the commentators and they stated that a proper batsman should have been sent out to bat.

Tewatia made just five runs off the first 13 balls and he was on eight off 19 balls. The pressure was mounting on Sanju Samson, who was once again timing the ball to perfection. However, the left-hander was able to turn the tide in his team’s favour.

It was a matter of one big hit and Tewatia was able to get his confidence back. 51 runs were required off the last three overs and the game seemed to be done and dusted for Rajasthan Royals.

However, it was the 18th over, which cost KXIP 30 runs, that turned the tables in RR’s favour. Tewatia was star of the show as he clobbered five sixes in Sheldon Cottrell’s over to turn the match upside down. In the last 10 balls which Tewatia faced, he smashed 39 runs to get his team back into the contest.

Rahul Tewatia said in the post-match ceremony, “That was the worst first 20 balls that I have ever played. I was hitting the ball very well in the nets, so I had belief in myself and kept going. I was not hitting the ball well initially, I saw in the dug-out, everybody was curious because they know that I can hit the ball long. I thought I had to believe in myself. It was a matter of one six, after that, I got going. Five in an over went amazing. Coach sent me to hit sixes off the leg-spinner, but unfortunately I didn’t hit him. Ultimately, I hit off the other bowlers”.

Rahul Tewatia, who represents Haryana, has thus far played 22 IPL matches, in which he has scalped 17 wickets. In fact, the leg-spinner bowled an expensive over, which leaked 19 runs. However, he was able to cover-up with the bat when the match seemed almost lost.

Rajasthan Royals have now won both their matches and they are currently placed at the second place in the points table. The Royals will next face KKR at Dubai International Stadium on 30th September.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India Falls to Chile in Shootout After 2–2 Draw at Four Nations Junior Women’s Hockey Tournament

The Indian junior women’s hockey team suffered a narrow defeat against Chile in a tense… Read More

May 30, 2025

Shreyas Iyer’s Misjudged Aggression Costs Punjab Kings in Qualifier Blowout

Punjab Kings’ journey to the IPL 2025 final suffered a massive blow after a disappointing… Read More

May 30, 2025

Harry Maguire Hopes to See Indian Talent in Premier League, Backs Grassroots Football Initiatives

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed optimism about the future of Indian football, stating… Read More

May 30, 2025

Salt’s blazing fifty helps RCB crush PBKS in record-breaking playoff win

Nine years after their last appearance in an IPL final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the… Read More

May 30, 2025

Josh Hazlewood opens up on playing in IPL before WTC Final, says he is got to be bowling

Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has said playing in the IPL is not… Read More

May 30, 2025