IPL 2023: Rahul Tewatia and Punjab Kings is a love story, says Shubman Gill after GT’s thrilling win

Shubman Gill said that Rahul Tewatia’s connection with Punjab Kings is like a love story after the lower-order batter kept his calm under pressure to win the match for Gujarat Titans on Thursday.

Tewatia had won a game in the last over against the same opponents last season and was required to repeat his heroics with the bat once again in Mohali.

Chasing 154 runs to win on the night, GT appeared to be cruising to the win with Gill hitting 67 and David Miller at the other end with the defending champions needing 7 off the last over.

But Sam Curran dismissed Gill to heighten the drama in the end before Tewatia hit a boundary to help GT win the match by six wickets and a ball to spare.

Speaking after the match, Gill said that the wicket got a bit challenging in the end and it was harder to hit sixes with the old ball.

The opener said he should have finished the game and praised Tewatia for winning the match and dealing with the pressure.

“Wicket got a bit challenging in the end. Was harder to hit sixes with the old ball. It’s a big ground. Was important to keep hitting the gaps, run as hard as possible. I should’ve finished the match. Rahul Tewatia and Kings XI is a love story. In these type of games, there’s definitely pressure on both teams. It’s about trying to minimise dot balls,” said Gill.

Gill said it was important for GT to have a good powerplay and it was important to keep hitting the singles.

“It was difficult for them also to score runs against old ball. Was important to have a good powerplay. We ticked that box. It wasn’t a big score. Was important to keep hitting the singles,” said Gill.

Gill also praised Mohit Sharma, who was the star with the ball on the day.

“He looked good in the nets also (Mohit). He has a good yorker. He bowled magnificently with the slower one, using the boundaries. Was a great GT debut for him,” said Gill.