Rahul Tewatia has thanked Ricky Ponting for helping him become a better player in every way. Tewatia has clarified the rumours that he has a close relationship with the current Delhi Capitals’ head coach.
The 29-year-old all-rounder was a member of the Delhi Capitals team in 2018 and 2019, however he only appeared in 13 games. In those outings, he scored 76 runs and took eight wickets. Ponting allegedly criticised him after an IPL 2019 game for requesting attention for taking four catches.
Rahul Tewatia emphasised that Ricky Ponting did not mock him and that the Australian legend helped him stay psychologically strong. He said:
“What happened was the opposite: I have always said that during my time with DC, Ricky helped me improve my cricket a lot. Our bonding on and off the field was very strong and it still is. I am very grateful and thankful and I don’t have enough words to describe the way Ricky helped me in my practice and in keeping me mentally strong, given what was happening with me at Delhi at the time.”
“I earned that through my hard work, my skills. I did not grab it from anyone by simply talking. Once you get the coaching staff to believe in you, you give them confidence. And the team starts believing in you once you start proving yourself repeatedly under pressure. That respect is my right, which I should get.”
Rahul Added
In 2020, the left-handed hitter established himself as a game changing finisher for Rajasthan Royals. He was crucial in Gujarat Titans’ dominance in the previous two seasons.
“I decided I had to play like I’m the team’s main player” said Rahul Tewatia
Tewatia claimed that he adjusted his approach after his previous shortcomings and wanted to be a key player in the starting 11. He stated:
“I told myself that mistakes help you learn and make you stronger. There is light, not darkness, in God’s home – that was my credo. In 2018 I decided I had to play like I’m the team’s main player. It shouldn’t be a situation of me being in and out of the team. When the team is being selected, they shouldn’t be thinking whether they should pick someone other than me. My name has to be in the XI. I have to play like a main player.”
Despite several outstanding T20 performances, the 29-year-old is yet to debut for India.
