Keen to do well after below-par showing in first half: Tewatia

Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Rahul Tewatia admitted his performance was not up to the mark in the first leg of the IPL and said he will look to produce a better show to take his team to the playoff when the T20 league resumes on September 19.

The 28-year-old could score only 86 runs and take two wickets in the seven matches that he played for RR before IPL was suspended due to multiple COVID-19 cases inside the bubble earlier this year.

"I know my performances weren't up to the mark with regards to the high expectations I keep of myself both when it comes to batting and bowling," he said in a release issued by RR.

"However, I will put in the effort to improve the output in the next seven matches that we're scheduled to play in the UAE."

Rajasthan Royals will be resuming their IPL campaign when they take on Punjab Kings on September 21.

Tewatia, who had smashed five sixes in one over against Punjab in the last edition, said the feat gave him the confidence that he is capable of producing "extraordinary" performances.

"I am really looking forward to it, however not just that match, but all the seven matches. I like to play all my matches with the same intensity and intent, but of course there are good memories facing PBKS, so it feels special," he said.

"It also gives me great belief and confidence that I can produce similar performances and do something extraordinary whatever the situation may be. My intent will always be to make the team win from anywhere."

Under new skipper Sanju Samson, Rajasthan had an encouraging start to the 2021 IPL edition, winning 3 of their first 7 matches. They were fifth on the table at the time of suspension, and showed plenty of promise, with the young core taking up responsibility. Tewatia assured that 'there is a lot more to come' from the team in the second half of the competition.

"When it comes to the team's overall performance, we won three out of the seven matches, and there were a couple of matches which were really close, so I think all-in-all, we put in some great performances and there is lot more to come from the team in the UAE."

Like the last edition, the second leg of IPL 2021 will be played in UAE. Tewatia, who played 14 matches in IPL 2020, gave his insights on the conditions and the venues.

"I think the grounds in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are slightly bigger so that works for the spinners. The wickets were playing well (last year), and when you have bigger grounds, as a bowler it gives you more confidence.

"However, Sharjah is obviously a smaller ground with a high-scoring wicket, so whoever scores more will have a better chance (laughs). The main thing really is to focus and execute your plans regardless of the size of the ground."