'When I played for RR, Sanju Samson gave me a lot of freedom' - Rahul Tewatia [Exclusive]

All-rounder Rahul Tewatia has established himself as one of the most reliable finishers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He became a household name after hitting Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in the last over in an IPL 2020 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, as the former chased down the unthinkable. Tewatia currently plies his trade for Gujarat Titans (GT), where he has finished several matches for the Shubman Gill-led side.

Tewatia doesn't bowl as much these days. However, he used to bowl quite often during his time at RR. In a recent interview, the 32-year-old said that RR skipper Sanju Samson gave him a lot of freedom with the ball. Tewatia also mentioned how his innings against Punjab Kings in IPL 2020 became a turning point in his career. During an exclusive interview with CricTracker, the Sihi-born also spoke about his interactions with legendary cricketers like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli over the years and suggestions he has received from them.

Excerpts from the interview

How did your life change after that iconic Sharjah innings where you smashed five sixes in one over?

First of all, I gained confidence for the entire tournament. Like they say, one inning can change your life. The same thing happened to me. I used to play the finishing role for Haryana. I play that role when I get it. Before that, I never got a chance to bat so high in the IPL. That was the first match where I got a chance to bat so high. That was a career-changing inning for me, like my entire season was gone. That one inning gave me so much confidence that I can do anything in any situation. So, that inning played a big role in my career.

How did you deal with not getting into the Team India playing XI?

What do I have to deal with? It's up to the selectors. They do what they think is best. My job is to play and perform. I do what I think is best on the ground. I mean, it's not up to me. It's up to the selectors.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a senior cricketer?

Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) told me about how to finish matches and how to stay in the present. He told me not to think about the past and not to think about the future. That has helped me a lot.

Which captain has given you the maximum freedom to express yourself?

In batting, you have the bat in your hand. You can do whatever you want. When it comes to bowling, Sanju (Sanju Samson) gave me a lot of freedom when I was playing for the Rajasthan Royals. Sanju gave me a lot of freedom in the field setting and on what field set-up to put when a new batsman comes in. Sanju gave me a lot of freedom in the Rajasthan Royals.

How many times have Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni spoken to you about your finishing skills?

Whenever I meet Mahi bhai, I keep asking him about batting and life. I keep asking him questions. Whenever I meet him, he tells me about the finishing skills, what else I can add to my batting, and what to work on in the off-season. I had spoken to Virat in the IPL during 2022-2023. He told me about the targets when we were batting in the first inning. Whenever we meet Rohit Sharma, he talks to us in a funny way. We haven't spoken about batting, but whenever we meet, he talks to us in a funny way.