IPL prospect Shahrukh Khan credits preparations & form for SMAT success

Built like a mountain, heavy hitter of the ball and an incredible bit on game awareness are traits that traditionally have eluded Indian cricket. If we were to look back in the last ten years, barring Yusuf Pathan, nobody comes to mind. While on can argue that players of this mould are limited in their batting approach, no team has ever said no to a player who can tonk it outside the ground and can change the outcomes of the game in just one brief passage of play.

When Tamil Nadu were down and out, reeling against Himachal Pradesh at 66/5 with 70 odd runs needed to chase in just over 7 overs, they needed someone to go big and there he was, Shahrukh Khan walking into the ground. In a whirlwind, Khan took the game away from Himachal and made sure that TN won the game with 13 balls to spare.

In an exclusive chat with OneCricket, Sharukh talks about SMAT win and IPL.

Talk to us about SMAT win.

We had a good last season but missed out on winning the cup by a whisker. This year we were confident as a team and had prepared really well. We played few practice matches as well before the tournament. Everyone looked in good touch and in form. Personally, I was satisfied with my performance especially the time we had faced due to COVID-19 prior to the tournament. 

Apart from that I had sustained a finger injury in the starting of the last year in the right hand and had undergone surgery. It took me 3-4 months to recover and then I started to prepare. I was actually preparing for T20 and it did pan out well for me. 

What are your thoughts about being a part of IPL?

Honestly, I’m not at all thinking about it. I’m just focusing on my game. If it happens, it would be great but if it doesn’t then also I am ok. I would rather stick to levelling up my game. I feel this is the best approach I can go forward with for now. More than thinking about the future, I am focusing on improving my own performance and thinking of adding some more elements to the arsenal. I though went for the KKR and RR trails. 

What discussions do you have with Dinesh Karthik? 

I talk about improving my game and what else needs to be done to enhance my performance. 

You had a match-winning partnership with Aparajith in the quarter-final. Tell us about that.

We needed some 70 odd when I walked in. DK bhai (Dinesh Karthik) had just got out and we were under a bit of pressure. I was in my zone and only focused on chasing down the target. I had a belief that if I stay at the crease till the last over, we can win the match and that happened. We finished the game with over two overs to spare. But a lot of credit goes to Aparajith because he was the one who held the fort at one end. He played a very important role. If he would have got out, then we would have had more pressure on us. 

How did you deal with COVID-19 issue?

Firstly, it took me 3-4 months to recover from my finger injury. Then COVID-19 came and all of us faced few problems. But as soon as we got some relaxation, I started with my practice regimes. I have a friend who lives nearby so I used to go at his place and practice. Talking about the fitness, I used to go for running and did home workouts. 

Who are the young players to watch out for in upcoming fixtures?

I feel Sonu Yadav and Pradosh Ranjan Paul are the two players to watch put for. Especially, Paul has the ability to score a lot of runs in the coming future.

What is your opinion about holding Vijay Hazare Trophy and not Ranji Trophy?

Look, any tournament that’s happening is good. We are getting an opportunity to play. Moreover, we are coming from a white-ball tournament, so we are in that zone and carry forward with that. 

Lastly, will there be any changes in the squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy?

I feel the squad would be more or less similar to the one we had for SMAT.

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