'I have huge respect for his Army background' - Rahul Tewatia clarifies after mocking Sheldon Cottrell's salute

Rahul Tewatia, within minutes, turned from a villain to a hero as Steve Smith-led Rajasthan Royals, on Sunday, pulled off the highest-ever run-chase of the IPL. While chasing a colossal 224-run target against Kings XI Punjab at Sharjah, RR were bolstered by half-centuries from skipper Smith and an in-form Sanju Samson.

But it was Tewatia’s late fireworks which steered the Royals side to an iconic victory. Tewatia slammed a sensational knock of 53 runs off just 31 balls, studded with 7 sixes. The southpaw’s promotion surprised many, especially when he was struggling to even make contact with the ball.

Tewatia had scored only 14 runs off the first 21 balls he had faced, leading to many fans bashing him on social media. However, he turned the tide in the 18th over bowled by West Indies’ Sheldon Cottrell. Hammering five sixes in the over, Tewatia put his foot on the gas pedal and stole the show with his blitzkrieg.

Rahul Tewatia played a crucial role in RR’s historical run-chase

RR ultimately hunted down the total with three balls to spare as Sharjah Cricket Stadium witnessed one of the most thrilling games in the history of the IPL. Many fans were critical of RR team management after Tewatia was promoted in the batting order at No.4, ahead of Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag and Jofra Archer. But the left-hander justified the team management’s decision by setting the stage on fire at Sharjah.

A day after RR’s historic run-chase, Tewatia was all over the internet. RR also shared a video of the entire squad celebrating their win in the dressing room where Tewatia mocked Cottrell’s salute celebration in jest. But the Haryana-born player, on Tuesday, clarified that he loves the celebration of the West Indies pacer. Tewatia tweeted that he also has ‘huge respect’ for Cottrell’s Army background.

“For those who noticed, I love Cottrell’s celebration and have huge respect for his army background, it was just my lucky day. Don’t think I can do it as well as him though. Thanks guys for all the love,” Tewatia tweeted.

Royals are currently sitting first in the points table, having defeated Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab in their first two matches. The in-form side will now lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on September 30 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.