IPL 2020: What was Rahul Tewatia thinking while batting against KXIP?

Rahul Tewatia stunned the cricketing universe when he smashed five sixes in an over to help Rajasthan Royals secure a miraculous comeback and tame Kings XI Punjab. As a result of his blitz, RR stay unbeaten in the opening two matches of the ongoing Indian Premier League.

Rahul Tewatia is currently Rajasthan Royals' (RR) most-talked man after he pulled off a thriller against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Owing to his blitz, Tewatia became an overnight sensation for most of the cricketing fans in India.

During the tie, when Tewatia came out to bat, he was under pressure, having managed just eight of the initial 19 deliveries he faced. However, it was during the over of Sheldon Cottrell, when he smashed five sixes to bring RR back to the game, as they secured a win.

Speaking on what were his thoughts when he was out there to bat, he recalled that he was just eyeing to keep the scoreboard ticking, as the required rate was climbing with each delivery. He also said that he was confident of hitting the ball to a long distance.

"Initially, I was not able to hit the ball properly, but I was confident that I would switch gears quickly. I wanted to take my team close to the game and win. I was confident of a win. And, that's what happened. The game-changing over eventually came (Sheldon Cottrell's over)," Tewatia quoted to Times of India in an exclusive interaction.

"I hit him for a six and the rest of the sixes kept coming. That was a game-changing over. I knew that I couldn't hit for the first 15 to 20 balls, but I was confident that if I manage to hit six or seven sixes in the last three or four overs, then it can turn the match around. That was the plan," he added.

Tewatia clarified that Sanju Samson repeatedly told him that it was all a matter of a hit, post which, things did work in his favour. He also expressed his delight on being able to impress skipper Steve Smith, who had asked him to bat at number four.

“When Steve Smith asked me to bat at the number four spot, it was a big-time opportunity for me. I wanted to give my best. I went in with a 'go and take on the bowler' mindset. Smith told me that at this level, one requires mental toughness. Smith and the coach were always confident of my abilities,” he concluded.

RR are all set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next game on Wednesday evening. While RR are presently at the top of the table, being unbeaten in two games, KKR are placed in the seventh, with a win and a loss from the same number matches.