IPL 2022: I don’t feel the pressure of price tag – Rahul Tewatia

New IPL franchise Gujarat Titans all-rounder Rahul Tewatia was bagged by the team for a whopping amount of INR nine crores.

Tewatia has stated that he doesn’t feel the pressure of such a huge price tag and he feels that if the franchise is putting such faith in him, it is a chance for him to stand tall to the challenge and deliver the goods.

The all-rounder had hogged the limelight when he had led Rajasthan Royals to an emphatic win in IPL 2020 against Punjab Kings. The left-hander scored five sixes in an over against Sheldon Cottrell to turn the match on its head and it was a career-changing knock for him.

However, Tewatia didn’t have the best IPL 2021 for Rajasthan Royals. Tewatia could only score 155 runs in 11 innings at an average of 15.50 and a strike rate of 105.44. Furthermore, he could only take eight wickets in 14 matches at an average of 42.50. Ergo, he would want to come up with better performance for Hardik Pandya-led team.

“My point of view is that, what is the point of taking pressure about these things? The team is showing belief in you and that is why they are ready to spend that kind of money on you. I don’t feel the pressure and it is just a case of trying to repay their faith. I just want to fulfill the role for which I was taken in the team and just work hard,” Tewatia said in a media interaction, as quoted by the New Indian Express.

Tewatia added that the all-rounder’s role is crucial as one can make an impact while batting in the lower-middle order by adding the finishing touches. He can also contribute with the ball in the middle-overs.

“.. the role of an all-rounder is important and it is there in every team, the one who bat at 6-7-8 their role is very important, that they have less time and more opportunity to make an impact. It is an important role and we can put the team in a good position,” Tewatia said.

“If we bat first, we try to finish well and if we are chasing, we will try and see how we can get over the finish line, and we will prepare accordingly,” he elaborated.

Tewatia also revealed that his favorite cricketer is Yuvraj Singh. Gujarat Titans start their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 28 at the Wankhede stadium.