IPL 2020: Rahul Tewatia thanks Steve Smith for opportunity to bat up the order

Rahul Tewatia has thanked his Rajasthan skipper Steve Smith for giving him opportunity of batting up order against Punjab at Sharjah Cricket Stium on Sunday. Tewatia who h struggled to even time ball in first 20 deliveries that he h faced, seemed to have activated 'Beast' mode in death overs when he clobbered pacer Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in 18th over. He scored a 31-ball 53 at a strike rate of 170.97 that included seven maximums as a result of which former champions got over finish line by six wickets and four balls to spare chasing a mammoth score of 224. 

By virtue of this win, Rajasthan's unbeaten streak continues in this tournament as y have w won both of ir opening games. Meanwhile, this is also highest successful run chase in IPL history.

Speaking to ANI, Tewatia said that he was termed 'game-changer' by team and it was only about reposing faith shown in him by a team that has stars like Smith, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, and Samson among ors.

"You eir grab an opportunity or get bogged down by it. Smith and team told me I am ir 'game-changer'. So, it was my duty to ensure that I repose ir faith. When team and a stalwart like Smith backs you, job is anyway half done. I am blessed to be a part of RR family," he smiled.

But how has he mand to stay in rhythm when even best have struggled to get into groove post lockdown? all-rounder says it is due to hard work put in by Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) behind scenes during corona-induced break.

"HCA has been brilliant. Even best sportsperson can lose focus in such times, but y kept a tab on us, especially Anirudh Chaudhry sir. Be it checking on our diet or our fitness, he would personally speak to required personnel as well as players to ensure that re was interruption in our training cycle. He also keeps atmosphere lively and encours everyone's sense of humor.

"It can get daunting to be training on roof and staying indoors, but HCA ensured we h mental conditioning classes to keep us prepared for se tough situations. In fact, despite Haryana team boasting of three international spinners, sir has time and again pushed me to go that extra mile so that I am an automatic choice in XI. focus in HCA is on player development," he revealed.

Rahul Tewatia helps Rajasthan snatch victory from jaws of defeat

Rajasthan skipper Steve Smith kept his team's hopes alive with a brilliant half-century while Sanju Samson once again me his bat do talking as he scored a 42-ball 85. 

However, it was Rahul Tewatia who changed his team's fortunes completely as he struck pacer Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in 18th over. He scored a 31-ball 53 at a strike rate of 170.97 that included seven maximums. 

Jofra Archer also hit Mohammed Shami for a couple of sixes in penultimate over and even though he accounted for Tewatia, it was too late by n as inaugural edition's champions registered a comfortable win in end.

RE: IPL 2020: Rajasthan Chase Down Highest Total In IPL History, Defeat Punjab By 4 Wickets

(Im Courtesy: iplt20.com)