Legendary Indian cricketer-turned commentator Sunil Gavaskar has opined that Rahul Tewatia's brutal assault on Sheldon Cottrell during the 2020 season has proved to be the turning point in the left-hander's career.
Tewatia shot into the limelight during the 13th season where, playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he converted a potential match-losing knock into a miraculous match-winning heist courtesy of a late sustained assault on Punjab Kings' Sheldon Cottrell.
He was picked by the Gujarat Titans for a sum of Rs 9 Crore at the recent mega-auction following a massive bidding war between franchises.
The Titans came under scrutiny for shelling out such a huge sum of money for Tewatia but the southpaw has proceeded to shut everyone's mouth by scripting at least three last over heists for the new franchise.
And if you listen to Gavaskar, he’s all but praises for the batter.
Speaking to the host broadcaster ahead of GT's encounter against PBKS, the former opener said that the biggest reason behind Tewatia's sustained success as a finisher is the immense belief he has in his ability.
"That assault on Sheldon Cottrell in Sharjah gave him the belief to do the impossible and the confidence that he belongs here. We saw the impossible (he did with the bat) the other day as well. There’s no twitching or touching the pads (which shows a batter’s nervousness) when he bats in the death overs,"
"He just waits for the ball to be delivered and plays his shots. He’s got all the shots in the book, but most importantly his temperament to stay cool in a crisis is brilliant,”
Hailing Tewatia as the 'ice-man', Gavaskar said that the southpaw never looks flustered at the crease even when he is under immense pressure.
"Reason why I call him the ice-man is because he just stands there (at the crease) and shows no signs of shrugs or whatever. He’s composed, he’s anticipating the deliveries and knows which shots to play,"
"In his mind, he’s ready that if the ball is (landing) there, he’s going to favourite shot. And when he middles (the ball), it’s always a six. That’s what makes him the ice-man because he’s not ruffled at all (with the situation).”
Tewatia smashed an unbeaten 25-ball 43 in the last game against RCB, and along with David Miller, took his team past the finishing line.
In nine innings, he has scored 180 runs at a strike rate of 160.71 and GT will hope that the 28-year-old continues his form in the remainder of the season.