A village kid playing in chaddi baniyaan on the streets is now a finisher in IPL: Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder Rahul Tewatia made a few interesting statements in a recent interview while speaking about his journey in the IPL thus far. The Haryana-born cricketer was quite outspoken as he expressed that he would be delighted to be a part of the national team.

The explosive southpaw attained limelight in 2020 during a match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings wherein he hammered a quickfire 31-ball 53. However, the batter is yet to don the outfit of the national team and believes that he is ‘closing in’ on the dream.

“It’s up to the selectors. A kid from a village, playing in chaddi baniyaan on the streets, is now playing the role of a finisher in an IPL team. So yeah, I’m close to the India dream, I believe,” told Tewatia in an interview with ‘The Cricket Monthly’.

“That dream has been there since I was a kid watching cricket on television. ‘Yaar, yahan khelna hai, yeh jersey pehen ni hai’ [Man, I want to play on these grounds, I want to wear the India jersey]. Now that I have come close, why will I waver from that dream?” he added.

However, it is worth mentioning that the all-rounder was picked in the Indian team in 2021 for a series against England. However, the southpaw did not get his opportunity to play for the side during the entirety of the series. When asked if he is at a better place as compared with two years ago, Tewatia expressed that one needs to grind on a continuous basis and maintain motivation to keep going.

“Hundred per cent. If you don’t improve yourself every day, even if it is by 0.1%, then what is the benefit of playing this sport? There has to be some motivation. I am in a better place now,” Tewatia said.

At present, Tewatia is plying his trade for the defending champions as the side is on course to a second play-off on the trot. The southpaw has amassed 63 runs in 11 appearances and will be gunning to a vital role in the forthcoming matches.