Intent will always be to help RR win from any situation, states Rahul Tewatia

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in about a fortnight’s time, marking their first encounter when the second half of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 resumes. All-rounder Rahul Tewatia is one of the players supremely eager to make his mark in the encounter, having smashed five sixes in an over to take the Rajasthan-based franchise over the line during an IPL 2020 encounter.

“I am really looking forward to it, however not just that match, but all the seven matches. I like to play all my matches with the same intensity and intent, but of course there are good memories facing PBKS, so it feels special. It also gives me great belief and confidence that I can produce similar performances and do something extraordinary whatever the situation may be. My intent will always be to make the team win from anywhere,” expressed the all-rounder who has 452 runs and 26 wickets in 41 IPL matches as quoted by Royals’ official website.

“I know my performances weren’t up to the mark”

Tewatia admitted that his performances in the first phase of IPL 2021 left much to be desired. He has expressed a wish to make amends for the same during the UAE leg of the edition.

“I know my performances weren’t up to the mark with regards to the high expectations I keep of myself both when it comes to batting and bowling. However, I will put in the effort to improve the output in the next seven matches that we’re scheduled to play in the UAE. My aim is to contribute to the team’s performance and excel in the role of a lower-middle order batsman and a finisher when it comes to batting,” stated the all-rounder.

“When it comes to the team’s overall performance, we won three out of the seven matches, and there were a couple of matches which were really close, so I think all-in-all, we put in some great performances and there is lot more to come from the team in the UAE,” he added.

“Want to maintain my process and do things which have produced results”

Tewatia got an opportunity to spend quality time at his home in Faridabad, during the off-season. The all-rounder attempted to fine-tune some focus areas during this period.

“Bowling-wise, there were a few areas we had identified during the season where I could improve. Sometimes you don’t realize it when you’re constantly playing, but things like your wrist position can become inexact. So I had the chance to really work on it and bowl with a set rhythm,” said the leg-spinner.

“In terms of batting, I want to maintain my natural game and don’t really want to be making a lot of changes. I want to maintain my process and keep doing the things which have produced results for me and just back my strengths,” he added.

“Main thing is to focus and execute your plans”

The all-rounder is confident about adapting to the conditions in the Gulf nation, as evident from his insights.

“I think the grounds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are slightly bigger so that works for the spinners. The wickets were playing well (last year), and when you have bigger grounds, as a bowler it gives you more confidence. However, Sharjah is obviously a smaller ground with a high-scoring wicket, so whoever scores more will have a better chance (laughs). The main thing really is to focus and execute your plans regardless of the size of the ground,” he concluded.