However, Tewatia was seen struggling to connect initially against bowlers from Kings XI Punjab, but then suddenly managed to find top gear. With his terrific hitting show, the Haryana boy turned the game around against KL Rahul’s team by smashing five sixes from Sheldon Cottrell’s 18th over.
Tewatia is a happy man after his heroism (31 balls 53) in the IPL record chase, which saw the Royals chase 224.
He hit seven sixes, including five on one off Cottrell. His heroism helped the Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab by four wickets with three balls to spare.
“I was looking at running speed and I wanted the scoreboard to mark according to the required running speed. Initially, I couldn’t hit the ball properly, but I was sure it would change gears quickly. I wanted to get my team closer to the game and win. I was confident in a win. And that’s what happened. The game changer finally came (Sheldon Cottrell is over), “Tewatia said in response to a question asked by Timesofindia.com.
“I hit him a six and the rest of the six kept coming. That was a game changer. I knew he couldn’t hit the first 15 to 20 balls, but he was sure if he managed to hit 6 or 7 sixes in the last 3 or so 4 overs, then he can turn the game around. That was the plan, “said 27-year-old Tewatia.
“When I couldn’t hit, I was under pressure, but Sanju (Samson) told me it was a matter of a hit and that he was waiting for that hit,” Tewatia said.
Tewatia was promoted to No. 4 when the Royals needed 124 runs in 11 overs. And he did not disappoint his captain Steve Smith.
“When Steve Smith asked me to hit No. 4, it was a great opportunity for me. I wanted to do my best. I came in with a ‘go and take on the bowler’ mentality. Smith told me that at this level one requires mental toughness. Smith and the coach were always confident in my abilities, ”Tewatia said during a Zoom interaction hosted by the Rajasthan Royals.
.
