IPL 2017: Rahul Tewatia impresses on Kings XI Punjab debut
Rahul Tewatia took two wickets and also scored a 15-run cameo for Kings XI Punjab against Kolkata Knight Riders. KXIP won the match by 14 runs to remain in hunt for a play-off berth.
Leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia made most of his first IPL-10 outing for Kings XI Punjab against the much anticipated Kolkata Knight Riders, taking two wickets in his quota of four overs and giving 18 runs.
The 23-year-old all-rounder also impressed with his batting skills by playing a unbeaten 8-ball cameo of 15 runs for Kings XI Punjab. (KXIP vs KKR: T20 MATCH BLOG)
The leggie from Haryana, who trains at the Haryana Cricket Association ground in Lahli near Rohtak, made an impact with his all-round skills and bagged the prized wicket of KKR captain Gautam Gambhir for 8 runs. Robin Uthappa was his second dismissal. The twin strike by Rahul set up Kings XI Punjab victory and took the team to the play-offs. (KXIP vs KKR: T20 MATCH SCORECARD)
“I guess Rahul’s spell was the turning point of the match. His spell of four overs got us back in the game. Chris Lynn was on the rampage, Rahul’s bowling halted the run flow and got Gautam Gambhir and Robin Utthappa’s wickets,” Mohit Sharma, Man of the Match, said about Rahul’s performance.
Rahul joined the Kings XI Punjab this season on coach Virender Sehwag’s insistence, earlier he has played for Rajasthan Royals in the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Before making his debut for Kings XI Punjab, Rahul had played in four IPL matches for Rajasthan Royals and against KKR in Mohali it was his fifth IPL appearance.
“Rahul has turned into a useful all-rounder in the last couple of years. He did well for Haryana in the Last Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in both the departments. Viru bhaiya likes him a lot as a cricketer. I’m sure, Rahul has made him proud today,” said a Haryana cricket association official.
Rahul has played five first-class matches, six List A and nine T20 matches for Haryana. He made his Ranji debut against Karnataka in Rohtak back in 2013.
With Rahul hogging the limelight against KKR with his all-round credentials, kings XI punjab have certainly found a winner in him.
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