Rahul Tewatia, the Haryana batsman, notched up his maiden century in First-Class cricket, tallying an impressive 144 runs off 212 balls against Jharkhand on the second day of their Ranji Trophy clash.
In a standout performance during the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24 match between Haryana and Jharkhand, Rahul Tewatia, the all-rounder from Haryana, displayed his batting prowess by achieving his first-ever century in First-Class cricket. His impressive innings of 144 runs off 212 balls on Day 2 of the match not only earned praise for his cricketing skills but also drew attention to his unique appearance.
A photograph shared by the Haryana Cricket Association on Instagram captured Tewatia in a distinctive look. With a moustache and batting with a cap, Tewatia’s appearance seemed to pay homage to the classic styles of cricketers from the early era. The image quickly went viral, sparking discussions and leading to comparisons with the legendary Pakistani batsman, Javed Miandad.
Netizens were prompt in drawing parallels between Tewatia’s new look and the iconic style of Javed Miandad. The former Pakistan great, known for his consistent performances and distinctive moustache, had made a lasting impact on cricket during his illustrious career. Tewatia’s resemblance to Miandad became a topic of conversation, with fans appreciating the nod to the cricketing legend.
Returning to the Jharkhand vs Haryana Ranji Trophy fixture, Tewatia took to the crease at number 7 with Haryana at 247/5. He went on to hit 24 fours and one six, reaching an impressive score of 144 (212). Haryana faced an early setback when opener Mayank Shandilya departed for 20 (40) with just 46 runs on the board. However, Amit Kumar (109) and Himanshu Rana (82) steadied the ship with a substantial 145-run partnership for the third wicket.
After their partnership concluded, Jharkhand managed to make a comeback by taking five wickets for 80 runs, leaving Haryana at 271/6. With six wickets down, Tewatia and Sumit Kumar (86 off 156) formed a formidable 225-run partnership for the seventh wicket, helping their team reach a total score of 509 in the first innings. Anukul Roy was the standout performer for Jharkhand with figures of 5/80 in 28.5 overs.
Here is how social media reacted to Rahul Tewatia’s new look:
