‘I am ready to don the Indian Jersey’ - Shahrukh Khan

Tamil Nadu’s Shahkrukh Khan, who has been included in India’s squad for the ODIs against West Indies as a stand-by, has asserted with authority that he is now ‘ready’ to don the Blue jersey of India. Shahrukh, on the back of a stunning Vijay Hazare Trophy season, where he averaged 42 and struck at 186, was initially primed to make the T20I squad, but though a call-up did not arrive, the 26-year-old was instead rewarded with a place in the reserves in the ODI squad. 

In an interview with Times of India, the hard-hitting Tamil Nadu batter claimed that he was delighted to see the selectors recognize his performances, and insisted that he is now more ready than ever to make the step-up and play international cricket.

“The path is clear now. I am very happy. I have managed to grab the attention of the selectors. If you had asked me a year back, I would have said I am not ready, but if you ask me now, I will say 'yes, I am prepared to don the India jersey'. I am ready now. I can say this with my head held high,” Shahrukh told TOI.

“It is a dream that I have been living. I am really excited to be a part of the team. Looking forward to learning a lot.”

A bulky batter capable of hitting monster sixes, Shahrukh has been key to Tamil Nadu’s white-ball dominance, and is now widely renowned as one of the best finishers in the country. In the 2021/22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, the 26-year-old took TN over the line out of nowhere, hitting a six off the final ball to deliver back-to-back 20-over titles for his state. His exploits in the 2021/22 season came on the back of a very successful 2020, which led to him being purchased for INR 5.25 crore by Punjab Kings.

When asked about the secret of his success, the right hander insisted that he never feels pressure as he’s now learnt to always put ‘team first’ and not think about individual milestones.

"When I go to the crease, I am mentally prepared and don't think about the pressure. I keep calm and play my game. I know how to shift gears as per match situations. I always want to get the job done for my team. I don't let the pressure hit me when I go to the crease. 

“When you think about your individual performance rather than the team, then the pressure can be clearly seen on your face. And, I put my team first, not me. I don't think about myself. That's why I don't feel pressure," Shahrukh said.

The 26-year-old further said that he idolises MS Dhoni and wishes to become a finisher as good as the former Indian skipper.

"I idolise MS Dhoni and want to finish games the way he did for India. I have always looked up to Dhoni and I want to become a finisher like him," he said.

Shahrukh’s IPL debut season did not exactly go the way he would have hoped for, but still the 26-year-old left a lasting impression, playing many a vital cameo across the 11 games he played. The right-hander was one of very few silver linings in what was a season to forget for the Punjab Kings.

The franchise chose to not retain him, but Shahrukh looked back fondly on his time with Punjab Kings and, in particular, spoke highly of batting coach Wasim Jaffer.

"I was really comfortable there (at Punjab Kings). The coaching staff of Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer, Jonty Rhodes, and everyone else was so supportive. I learned a lot there. I remember Anil sir coming to me and saying he is confident that I will do well. I was comfortable from the start at Punjab Kings. As soon as I went there, I made good friends. 

“Nicholas Pooran is a close friend. I felt at home at Punjab Kings. Wasim Jaffer helped me a lot with my batting. He said he has seen me bat for Tamil Nadu and gave me a lot of tips. I am still in touch with him and take tips from him.”