NEWS
Follow UsBatsmen slotted at number 6 are generally assigned the role of a finisher. However, there are occasions when the top-order does not fire and the onus of taking the side to a good score falls on their shoulder. Punjab Kings batsman M Shahrukh Khan had the same responsibility last night (April 16) when he walked in to bat at 19 for four.
Scoring 47 off 36 balls, Khan said he has the ability to adapt and skills to bat anywhere and see the team through tough situations. He was the highest scorer of Punjab's innings, who could only manage 106 runs in their 20 overs.
"My role is playing down the order as a finisher but you don't expect to go out and blast in every game because there will be situations where the team bundles out and you need to take responsibility and see the team through," he said at the post-match press conference.
"I'm branded as a complete finisher. I am a good batsman, I was batting up the order for Tamil Nadu for a couple of years. So, I've been batting at the top order. I've the skill in me to bat and see the team through in tough situations.
"I think I've really developed my game as a finisher in the last couple of years but still, my core game is still with me- See the ball and play normal cricketing shots," he added.
The 25-year-old right-hander said it was a good learning curve to play in the presence of top players.
"The way they are having conversations with people around the team... Nicholas Pooran, Chris Gayle, David Malan and obviously KL Rahul. The likes of so many big players when they see you in the nets, they say certain things here and there.
"It's really going to improve your batting and obviously new to IPL. A long way to go! Will take a lot of things from them, advice and put out there and use it."
The Tamil Nadu cricketer said coaches Wasim Jaffer and Andy Flower were helping improve his game and take it to the next level.
"New to the IPL, different scenario compared to the domestic games but here I'm getting to learn a lot of things. I'm trying to improve my game one per cent every session, having a good time with Wasim Jaffer and Andy Flower. Really having a lot of conversations with them."
Khan said the wicket at the Wankhede Stadium was a bit slower on Friday. Punjab lost the match by six wickets having managed only 106 for eight after reeling at 27 for five.
"I think it was a bit slower. Not like the usual Wankhede, what I've seen through the years. Really stopped a lot, didn't expect to play in such a manner. But you know when the dew factor comes in it skids on to the bat really well.
"Yeah, half of the team inside the dressing but still it was you know. Still wanted to hang around for some time and you know assess the pitch a bit more so that slog overs would be a bit easier for me.
"I think if I played that 5 balls in the end in the 20th over, we could've scored 20 runs more which would have been a tight game I guess," the Punjab Kings batter said.
(With inputs from PTI)
