In a standout performance during the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24 match between Haryana and Jharkhand, Haryana’s all-rounder Rahul Tewatia showcased his prowess with the bat, registering his first-ever First-Class century. His remarkable innings of 144 runs off 212 balls on Day 2 of the fixture not only earned accolades for his cricketing skills but also garnered attention for his unique appearance.

Viral Image: Rahul Tewatia’s retro look

A photograph shared by the Haryana Cricket Association on the social media platform Instagram captured Tewatia in a distinctive avatar. Sporting a moustache and batting with a cap, Tewatia’s appearance harked back to the classic styles of cricketers from the early era. The image quickly went viral, sparking discussions and drawing comparisons to legendary Pakistan batter Javed Miandad.

Javed Miandad resemblance

Netizens were quick to draw parallels between Tewatia’s new look and the iconic style of Miandad. The former Pakistan great, known for his consistent performances and distinctive moustache, left an indelible mark on cricket during his illustrious career. Tewatia’s resemblance to Miandad became a talking point, with fans appreciating the nod to it.

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Miandad’s legacy for Pakistan and World Cup triumph

Miandad’s legacy in cricket extends beyond his distinctive appearance. The former Pakistan cricketer amassed over 15,000 international runs across Tests and ODIs, leaving an indomitable impact. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory under the leadership of Imran Khan, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Tewatia’s evolution in IPL

Tewatia’s cricketing journey has seen him evolve through different phases, with his Indian Premier League (IPL )career serving as a testament to his growth. Beginning with the Rajasthan Royals in 2014, he has contributed to various teams, including Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) and Delhi Capitals, before becoming part of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. His acquisition for Rs 9 crore highlighted his increasing prominence in the league, promising an exciting future for the dynamic all-rounder.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

India’s dreams of winning a third World Cup title were dashed on Sunday when they lost in the final by six wickets to Australia. Hosts India were the favorites going into the match, not just because they had won every game in the tournament; they had hardly been challenged by any team, including Australia themselves, in the opening game for both sides. While Australia had lost the first match by six wickets, they reversed that result for India in the final.

Before the final, India had scored over 350 in three of their previous four games, with the only time they didn’t do so being against South Africa. They had scored 326 in that match and went on to win by a whopping 243 runs. However, they were all out for just 240 runs in the final in 50 overs and Australia chased it down in 43 overs. India had scored 80 runs in the first 10 overs but they managed to hit just four fours and no sixes for the rest of their innings. Former batter Gautam Gambhir said that it would’ve been better if India had tried hitting more boundaries with someone taking more risks in the middle overs.

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“It’s a double-edged sword. But I have always said this, the most courageous team will go on to win the World Cup. I can understand that you need time to build a partnership but 11 to 40 overs is a very, very long time. Someone should have taken that risk,” Gautam Gambhir told Sportskeeda.

‘Either we go for 150 all out or end up with 300’: Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir admitted that India could have ended up falling for a lesser score had they remained aggressive but they should’ve tried to score quicker regardless of that. The former opener, who scored 97 in the final of the 2011 World Cup and was instrumental to India’s victory in that match, said that getting 240 should have never been an acceptable scenario.

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“I would have actually liked India going really aggressive with their top 6-7 batters even if they had been all out for 150. I would have been fine. But if you feel you can defend 240 in a World Cup final…that is not where you fight. It is either this way or that. Either we go 150 all out or 300. That is where India have lacked. That is where India have not gone on to win ICC tournaments. Rohit should have sent the message before the game that even if I get out we should go aggressive,” he said.