(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
By Shaurya Dutt
Rahul Tewatia says the biggest goal of his cricket life is to wear the Indian colours, and he’s working hard to make that dream a reality. The 32‑year‑old Haryana all‑rounder has shown strong performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), hoping that his form will earn him a call‑up to the national team.
### Domestic record that shows the right mix of talent
Tewatia has played 166 Twenty‑20 matches, scoring 2,075 runs at a 144.49 strike rate and keeping an average of 26.26. His best score is 59, and he is comfortable batting in the middle and lower order. With the ball he has taken 69 wickets and keeps an economy rate of 7.40.
In one‑day cricket, he’s produced the most impressive numbers. Over 49 List A games, he has scored 1,195 runs at an average near 46, a 118.66 strike rate, and a top score of 99. He has also taken 59 wickets at 22.62, with best figures of 4/24. His low economy of 4.86 makes him a useful bowler in the 50‑over format.
His first‑class experience is shorter, but his 535 runs in 14 matches include a 144, and he has taken 32 wickets at 21.96. A best return of 7/98 shows he can play long innings and break partnerships when needed.
### A proud Gujarati Titans fan
Tewatia has been part of the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise since 2022. He credits the team’s welcoming environment for keeping him comfortable, even when he and his family stay in hotels for the 2½‑3 month IPL season. “They treat us like family,” he says. “I don’t think I’ve seen a better team.”
Coach Ashish Nehra has also played a big role in Tewatia’s growth. Tewatia calls Nehra a brother‑like mentor who explains things simply from his own experience, pointing out mistakes right after they happen. “Having a senior like Nehra on the team means I get a lot of guidance every day,” he says. Nehra’s focus on skill development and clean coaching plans has helped Tewatia mature as a player.
### IPL stats that prove his clutch ability
Across 108 IPL games, Tewatia scores 1,112 runs at 23.17 with a 137.11 strike rate. He has hit 90 fours and 54 sixes, and his highest score is 53. Though he has only one fifty, his match‑winning bursts, such as the five‑six over against Sheldon Cottrell in 2020, have made him a fan favourite.
With the ball, he has taken 32 wickets, best figures 3/18, and his leg‑spin is a valuable weapon in pressure situations. His best season came in 2020 when he scored 255 runs in 14 matches at an average of 42.5 while taking 10 wickets.
### Shoulder surgery and a comeback plan
Tewatia’s 2024 season was disrupted by a shoulder injury. After two years of struggling, he had to undergo surgery in June following a difficult IPL season. Rehab began in July, and he’s now feeling stronger. “The pain was constant, even when I wasn’t playing, but the surgery fixed the issue,” he says. He’s resumed batting and is working on regaining full bowling strength.
### Never giving up
When asked about his ambitions, Tewatia was clear. “Playing for India is my ultimate goal,” he says. “I grew up watching India on TV and dreaming of representing the country. For me it’s not worth playing if I can’t get there.” He’ll keep pushing in domestic matches and the IPL to catch the selectors’ eye.
Rahul Tewatia’s story is one of hard work, balanced skills, and unwavering ambition. Fans and selectors alike will be watching his progress as he works toward turning his long‑time dream into a reality.
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