Rahul Tewatia’s story has transcended the boundaries of the cricket field, it is being talked about as a lesson in life.

His stunning metamorphosis within a matter of minutes — from being in the firing line of ruthless trolls to shutting up critics with a generous serving of sixes — was of fairy tale proportions.

The world of social media is now overflowing with the Tewatia example. Of how one should never give up in life, or how life can change in an instant, or how sport can be a balm in these trying times of the pandemic. The observations are endless.

But what about Tewatia?

In the words of former national selector Surendra Bhave, Tewatia’s match-winning 31-ball 53 for the Rajasthan Royals against Kings XI Punjab in Sharjah on Sunday is a reflection of the man himself.

“What gets reflected from Tewatia’s innings is his confidence and fighting spirit,”

Bhave, who watched the 27-year-old all-rounder from close when he served as the coach of Haryana, told The Telegraph.

“I had coached Haryana for two seasons. Those were his early days on the circuit, but that he had a tremendous hitting talent could still be noticed. And it was in full display in Sunday’s game,” Bhave added.

Tewatia, who bats left-handed but bowls right-arm spin, isn’t really a newcomer in the IPL. He made his debut for Royals in 2014 and then went on to play for Delhi DareDevils, Kings XI, Delhi Capitals and now is back at Royals.

But for 21 matches prior to Sunday’s clash, he was just one of those promising players aspiring to make a mark among the game’s stalwarts. But his 22nd IPL appearance has given him stardom.

After his initial struggle, the first six he hit on Sunday, off leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling in the 15th over of the Royals’ run chase, somehow woke him up from the mid-crease slumber. Thereafter, he hit five maximums in the game-changing 18th over off Sheldon Cottrell.

“Yeah, that first six he hit certainly brought his confidence back somewhat. But smashing those five sixes in that over thereafter was something sensational and of them, the ones which he hit off the third and fourth balls deserve special mention.

“Hitting a fuller-length ball on the off-stump towards wide long-off is never easy and so it is to sweep a low full toss over deep mid-wicket. That was just incredible batting, which also underlined his fearlessness,” Bhave said.

Former India and Haryana wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra also highlighted Tewatia’s never-say-die attitude. “Tewatia and I were teammates at ONGC some years ago. He was on stipend there.

“Having kept wickets to his bowling, I used to notice how he tried to vary his length and mix it up. He tends to give his 100 per cent in whatever he does.

“If you play such a devastating knock, especially after such a struggle at the start of your innings, your strength of mind gets reflected. Tewatia’s innings was a reflection of his fighting spirit.

“It was good for him that he vindicated the Royals’ faith in him, as they promoted him up the order,” Ratra, who played six Tests and 12 ODIs, emphasised.

As opposed to 50 T20s, Tewatia has featured only in seven first-class matches so far. But it wouldn’t be fair to brand him as a T20 specialist, said Bhave.

“Well, if he works on his consistency, I’m sure he can have a similar impact in multi-day matches as well. But yes, the fantastic hitter that he is, he thrives on white-ball cricket,” Bhave summed it up.