Rahul Tewatia reveals the conversation he had with Ashish Nehra before joining Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022

Rahul Tewatia was part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise over the last two seasons in the Indian Premier League. He famously scripted a historic win against Punjab Kings in IPL 2022 when he slammed Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in an over. However, in the IPL 2022 mega auction, new entrants Gujarat Titans secured his services for a whopping INR 9 crores.

He has done a tremendous job so far for the Tita and has played a winning role in a couple of tight encounters. In an interview with iplt20.com, Rahul Tewatia shed light on the conversation he had with head coach Ashish Nehra who clearly asked him to play the role of a finisher in IPL 2022.

“I had been doing this (finisher’s) role for the last 2-3 years for Rajasthan, and the role was quite clear. When I joined GT, Ashish (Nehra) bhai told me that we are looking for someone at No. 5 or No. 6. He said – ‘We want someone to finish games and we are looking at you for the role.'”

Rahul Tewatia finished off a game in spectacular style once again when Gujarat Titans took on Punjab Kings this season. Needing 12 off the last couple of deliveries, Tewatia smacked two sixes to stamp his authority.

The all-rounder mentioned that he hasn’t had to practice or prepare differently this time around as he also plays the role of finisher for his domestic team. “Once he (Ashish Nehra) showed trust in me, I started my preparations right away. I have been playing the same role for my domestic team as well, so the preparations have been the same for me. But yeah, with a bit more effort.”

Rahul Tewatia, however, is not content with playing only the role of a finisher and wants to take up greater responsibility. A decent leg spinner, he hasn’t had plenty of opportunities to bowl for GT this season because of their tremendous bowling lineup and depth. With that being said, however, Tewatia reckons that he expects more opportunities with the ball towards the fag end of the season. The pitches will slow down more as the tournament progresses and spinners will prove to be handy.

“I want to take greater responsibility in bowling as well. But because of our strong bowling line-up, I am not needed much as of now. As the wickets get slower, though, I am sure the spinners will come more into the game.”