Rahul Tewatia fails to pass the new fitness test ahead of India vs England T20I series

Rahul Tewatia impressed everyone with his all-round display in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League at the United Arab Emirates. Plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals, he struck the balls at an impressive strike-rate while also taking crucial wickets during the passage of play. He drew plaudits for helping his team produce game-changing moments.

Tewatia hogged the limelight when he scored an unbeaten 53 against Punjab Kings and helped his team secure a memorable win. He took the cricket fraternity by surprise by hitting 5 sixes in an over off Sheldon Cottrell’s bowling. Overall, he had a good run in the last year’s IPL. He aggregated a sum of 255 runs at an average of 42.50 and at an impressive strike-rate of 140.

As far as his bowling department is concerned, he bagged as many as 10 wickets at a superb economy rate of 7.08. Meanwhile, the national selectors observed his performance in the IPL and knocked his door for the upcoming T20I series against England. When BCCI announced the squad for the 5-match T20I series versus England, some players earned their much-awaited call-up.

Rahul Tewatia was one among the names who received a call-up. He couldn’t be happier after seeing his name in the Indian squad. He took to social media to express his delight over the maiden call from Team India.

Rahul Tewatia fails to clear fitness test: Report

In the latest development, it was learnt that Rahul Tewatia has failed to clear the fitness test ahead of the upcoming T20I series. As per the latest reports by The Telegraph, Tewatia and spinner Varun Chakravarthy didn’t pass the test as they performed well below the fitness standards expected by national players.

As per BCCI’s new parameter of fitness, a cricketer either needs to secure 17:1 in the Yo-Yo Test or cover 2 Km in the span of 8.3 minutes. Nonetheless, it’s not the end of the road for both the players as they will be given one more chance to prove their worth.

A source added that players are given one more opportunity if they fail to pass the test on the first attempt. “It has been introduced to push fitness standards and maintain endurance. He will get more than one chance,” the source added.