Following their fightback in the recently ended South Africa series, India are all set to take on Ireland in the United Kingdom with a second-string squad on Sunday, June 26, in the first of their two T20Is. The selectors moved ahead with a new-look 15-man squad, with the team to be led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The likes of Rahul Tripathi, Umran Malik, and Arshdeep Singh will all be fighting for a starting XI spot, but one omission that was surprising was that of Rahul Tewatia.
The Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder, who won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 title under Hardik, tweeted his frustration at the decision, with the social media post going viral in the process. When former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was asked who he would have liked to see in that squad, his answer was obvious.
“Rahul Tewatia, the ice man. I mean he should have been… Sometimes if there is touch and go situation, maybe take an additional member. Instead of 15, take 16. Because it’s hard to leave somebody who has done consistently well. And he was superb, he won matches which look lost (in IPL 2022). He went there and smashed the ball. He was also moving across the crease very intelligently. Moreover, he was able to play across the off stump, not just on side,” he told Star Sports during rain interruption.
The former India captain also suggested teams can pick one additional player if a need arises. “So someone showing that kind of temperament, maybe add a 16th man. And take him to Ireland. I would say to Rahul Tewatia: ‘Look you haven’t got picked, don’t let it put you down. You are just a little fringe, work hard and you will be there regularly.”
Meanwhile former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith gave some suggestions to the youngster, asking him to focus on his game and not on Twitter. “It’s very difficult in India as you guys have so much talent. And coach Rahul Dravid, and captain Rohit Sharma must have had picked their majority of guys anticipating the conditions in Australia.”
“I would say instead of Twitter, focus, perform and next time your time comes, make sure no one can leave you out.”
The 29-year-old took to Twitter and shared a two-word post after he was overlooked for the Ireland tour which was enough to explain his emotions.
“Expectations Hurts,” Tewatia tweeted.
