Bishop was mighty impressed with Gill, who dropped an epic ‘love story’ remark after Tewatia guided GT to a thrilling win over PBKS in IPL 2023.
Sam Curran’s death-bowling heroics failed to produce another final-ball thriller in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 on Thursday as Rahul Tewatia held his nerve and finished things off in style for the defending champions. Thwarting Curran’s bid of pulling off a heist, an ice-cool Tewatia came up with a nonchalant scoop over the short fine leg to seal Gujarat Titans’ (GT) famous win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2023.
After scripting an unforgettable Sharjah night back in 2020, Tewatia had smoked back-to-back sixes when GT needed 12 from 2 balls against Punjab Kings last season. Before Tewatia provided the finishing touch in the recently concluded IPL 2023 match, India opener Shubman Gill played a scintillating knock of 67 off 49 balls against Punjab Kings to put Pandya and Co. in the driving seat. Though Gill remained keen on closing the chase for the reigning IPL champions, the in-form batter was cleaned up by pacer Curran in the final over. With Tewatia smashing the penultimate ball for a boundary, Pandya’s GT side returned to winning ways after losing a humdinger to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their previous outing.
‘Tewatia and Kings XI is a love story”
Roped in for a quick chat by former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop, Gill not only reflected on his brilliant knock but the star batter also gave a special mention to Tewatia for breaking PBKS hearts in the IPL 2023. “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. It was difficult for them also to score runs against old ball. Was important to have a good powerplay,” Gill said.