Rahul Tewatia Clarifies After Video Shows RR Star Mocking Sheldon Cottrell's Salute Celebration

Rajasthan Royals’ latest batting sensation Rahul Tewatia has clarified after the franchise posted a video in which he seemed to have mocked Sheldon Cottrell’s famous salute celebration.

The West Indies pacer bore the brunt of Rahul Tewatia’s whirlwind comeback during the thrilling clash between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab earlier this week. The left-handed batsman was in immense pressure when Cottrell came to bowl the 18th over of the innings.

At that point, it looked like the game was all but over for the Royals. They needed 51 runs from the last three overs and with Rahul Tewatia struggling to play the big shots, their chance of winning the game was absolutely bleak. At that point, the Royals batsman had managed to just score only 17 from 23 balls.

But the game turned on its head in the 18th over when Cottrell came to bowl. Rahul Tewatia hit him for five sixes to put the chase back on track. The Royals went on to win the game with three balls remaining.

The salute controversy:

After the game, the Royals posted a clip on social media, showing the celebration following the record win. In the clip, Rahul Tewatia was seen doing Cottrell’s trademark salute celebration. The way he did the celebration, it looked like as if he was making fun of the pacer after hitting him for five sixes.

Here is the clip posted by the franchise:

Straight from the dressing room, into your hearts. ?

? – Reactions post THAT chase. #RRvKXIP | #HallaBol | #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/ySb3SLCfWG

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 28, 2020

But on Tuesday, he clarified his celebration and made it clear that he loves the celebration of the left-arm pacer. Rahul Tewatia also said that he has ‘huge respect’ for Cottrell’s army background, tweeting:

“For those who noticed, I love Cottrell’s celebration and have huge respect for his army background, it was just my lucky day. Don’t think I can do it as well as him though thanks guys for all the love.”

For those who noticed, I love Cottrell's celebration and have huge respect for his army background, it was just my lucky day. Don't think I can do it as well as him though ? thanks guys for all the love.

— Rahul Tewatia (@rahultewatia02) September 29, 2020

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