David Miller and Rahul Tewatia were the stars in the run chase for Gujarat Titans (GT) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) when the two sides faced off at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Miller, who scored 39 runs in 24 balls, played second fiddle to Tewatia, who hit a brilliant 25-ball 43 as GT condemned RCB to a six-wicket victory.
Before their match, the South African caught up with Sports Tak for an exclusive chat and spoke about his time with the franchise and his experience of playing under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Describe in a nutshell the exciting tournament that the Gujarat Titans have had this season?
We have three exciting wins that I have been a part of. Just when you think one is over, the next one comes. We are not going to have another one like that. Seven out of eight (now eight out of nine) games so far have been a great journey. It is the first time in my IPL career that I have had a journey like this. Hopefully, it lasts.
We have had some great momentum, and great players. Incredible staff. It has been a really relaxing and good environment so far. Being a new team, we are finding our groove, and getting a bit of flow with the team which has been incredible, so long may it last.
Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, and yourself have been involved in some great finishes this season. How do you approach such tense situations?
So far we have had some incredible wins. It's been pretty inspiring what Rashid (Khan) and (Rahul) Tewatia have done. He (Tewatia) has not had many opportunities with the bat but when he has had chances he has managed to win us games from incredible positions. I think it's those moments personally that we have to cling to. It gives me confidence going forward. We can win from anywhere and I definitely know that it goes throughout the squad.
We guys pick each other up in moments like that and are inspired by the win like the ones that we have had. Definitely, the positivity is up there. Everyone is geared up for the next six games. Hopefully, the playoffs if we get there. We are trying to process each game as it comes.
What has been the experience like working with the likes of Ashish Nehra, Gary Kirsten, and Vikram Solanki to name a few?
The coaching staff has been phenomenal. I have been a part of many other teams but to have the guys with the calibre of our coaches that we have got has been a true blessing. Ashish Nehra, the head coach, has been extremely chilled about things. For me, the first thing is a sense of how relaxing he is. So it's been infiltrated into the team and the squad.
Gary Kirsten has been around the world. He has won trophies and has played the game. Same for Vikram Solanki, he has played for many many years, so just the experience and the knowledge that we have within the coaching staff is more than we can ask for.
Hardik Pandya has had a great run as captain. How would you describe his leadership approach?
For me personally, it is inspiring what he has done on the field as a captain. As a player, you subconsciously want to follow him. I think what I have realised off the field that he is a natural leader. He has got a big presence about him, so when he walks into the room you definitely know he is there. It is an inspiring gift to have. It has been a great experience being led by him. Huge success for the future with him and this team.
