'I have worked hard to....' - Shahrukh Khan opens up on his IPL journey after auctions 2024

Hard-hitting batsman Shahrukh Khan, who was sold to Gujarat Titans for Rs 7.4 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, spoke exclusively to JioCinema. Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans were the two teams that bid for Tamil Nadu all-rounder. The Punjab Kings released Shahrukh early, which allowed them to free up Rs 9 crore. Shahrukh represented Punjab in 33 IPL games. Although he battled with consistency in 2023, he had a strike rate of 160+. 

Some excerpts from the interview

On his move to Gujarat Titans for Rs 7.4 crore 

I think there are four Chennai boys there and it’s great to be part of this squad. The way they have played in the last two years has been phenomenal. 

On whether he’s also focussing on his bowling. 

Yes, 100 per cent. I bowled well in the TNPL and got a few wickets there. My bowling will be an added advantage and I will chip in if I get opportunities. 

In his role in the GT set-up 

"I think I’ll be playing at No. 6 or No. 7 for sure. The way I look at it, I am ready for any role. The way Gujarat Titans have backed their players in the last two years, I am really comfortable going there. People have told me that I have not got a good strike rate against spinners, so I have really worked on it. I will be really happy to come up the order and get going as well."

On him getting a chance to bat alongside players like David Miller 

"I have been a big fan of him for the past 10 years. He is a guy who wins big games for his team and to be playing alongside him is going to be really great. I am looking forward to it a lot more. The way he has been calm under pressure and the way he has played for South Africa over the years is impressive. ‘Killer Miller’ is something I tell him when I look at him."  

On the change in mindset since IPL 2023 

"Quite a bit. I have captained a team in the TNPL. I have really grown as a captain. I understand the players’ mindsets a lot more and relate to them. As a captain whenever I get a chance, I back players. The way GT backs their players, I’ll be happy to go to them."  

On the improvement in his game in the last couple of years 

"I have worked on the short ball a lot more. It’s been an area I needed to improve and I have done that. There are obviously other areas I need to improve like playing leg-spinners and left-arm spinners."

On what he has learned from Dinesh Karthik 

"DK was the one who got me into the Tamil Nadu team as a finisher four years ago. I was a guy who would bat at No. 3. But DK wanted me to bat at No. 6-7 as a finisher. He has always told me that the team comes first. He has taught me how to calculate and take the game forward."