Rashid Khan could be Gujarat Titans' MVP in IPL 2022: Rahul Tewatia [Interview]

After being released by the Rajasthan Royals, Rahul Tewatia would now be representing the Gujarat Titans as the new franchise has secured his services for INR 9 crore at the recently-concluded IPL 2022 mega auction. Apart from making an impact with his leg-spin, Tewatia can also be a handy middle-order batter. Not many must have forgotten those five huge match-winning sixes of West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell during the IPL 2020 league match between RR and Punjab where the southpaw had single-handedly won the game for his side

Rajasthan was where it all began for Rahul Tewatia back in the 2014 edition of the IPL before moving to Punjab and then Delhi and finally coming back to the same team for IPL 2020 that had helped him earn fame and fortune. The 28-year-old has so far made 48 IPL appearances having amassed 521 runs with a solitary half-century and 32 scalps to his name. He would now be hoping to have a memorable season by making a tremendous impact on his new team and living up to their expectations.

While the Haryana cricketer is yet to don the India jersey, he did receive a maiden call up to the Indian team for the home T20I series against England. With some consistent performances in IPL 2022, the emerging all-rounder would be hoping to be on the selectors’ radar once again.

In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, Tewatia opened up about who could be the Titans’ MVP, his role model, and his reaction after being signed by the franchise for INR 9 crore and more importantly, his best cricketing captain of all time.

Here are the excerpts from Rahul Tewatia’s interview:

Who can be the ‘MVP’ in Gujarat Titans according to you looking at the list right now even though the 2022 season is yet to get underway?

I mean all the players who are picked are really good and I cannot take just one name but, if I were to pick one then it would be Rashid Khan.

Your cricket idol is?

Yuvraj Singh

Three words to describe the moment Gujarat Titans signed you for INR 9 crore?

Blessed, Excited, and Opportunity.

The Laziest cricketer in Rajasthan Royals according to you?

It has to be Mayank Markande.

The last person you called?

My wife.

The best cricketing captain of all time is?

Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

A holiday destination you would like to visit?

Paris.

What would you have been if not a cricketer?

Hockey and Wrestling are two of the sports that are given a lot of importance in my village so maybe I would have played either of those games.

A cricketer you would not go to for relationship advice?

Mayank Markande

A bowler from the past you would like to face?

Anil Kumble.

A woman cricketer who has impressed you the most?

Shafali Verma.

Your favorite movie?

Namastey London.

Your career’s best moment?

The game against the Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) in Sharjah.

Your favorite all-rounder?

My all-time favorite all-rounder is Yuvraj Singh and current are Ben Stokes and Hardik Pandya.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Tiger.

The most famous person’s number on your phone is?

Rishabh Pant.

A habit you would like to get rid of?

Stop biting my nails.

Who is the most passionate cricketer you have come across?

Manan Vohra.

A cricketer who has 2 left feet?

Harshal Patel.

A celebrity you would like to go on a date with?

Maria Sharapova.