Rahul Tewatia in IPL 2025 (Source: AP Photos)
In a crucial Eliminator of IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans made a bold decision to promote Rahul Tewatia at number six over in-form Shahrukh Khan. Tewatia came out to bat in the 16th over after the wicket of Sai Sudharsan, and with the required rate way over 12 runs per over, Shahrukh was expected to come in, given his power-hitting show in a couple of matches earlier this season.
Gujarat Titans Trust Tewatia Over Shahrukh Khan In Eliminator
Tewatia, though, is also known for his finishing skills, and the major reason for his promotion was that he is a left-hander. Thus, bringing him over Shahrukh Khan kept Mitchell Santner, who is a left-arm spinner, out of the attack. It forced Mumbai Indians to use their pacers in the final overs as the left-handers could have taken advantage of the favourable match-up with left-arm spinner.
Gujarat Titans were chasing 229 in their 20 overs, and lost Shubman Gill in the very first over. Sai Sudharsan, though, kept hitting his shots gracefully, while Kusal Mendis also played a handy cameo on his debut. Washington Sundar walked out to bat after the Sri Lankan's wicket, and played a handy knock of 48 from 24 balls.
After Sundar's wicket, Rutherford came and kept GT going. Sai Sudharsan eventually departed on 80 from 49 balls, and GT then decided to send another left-hander to keep Santner, MI's best spinner out of the attack.
The decision though did not go in their favour as Tewatia could manage just 16 runs from 11 balls, while Shahrukh Khan who got seven balls, scored 13 runs. GT lost the game by 20 runs and MI will now play Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025.
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 (1).jpg?type=mq "Trouble For Rashid")
 "Aashay Chopade")
