Dinesh Karthik’s advice makes Shahrukh Khan Tamil Nadu’s crisis man

Shahrukh Khan stepped in when his team needed a big innings and scored an unbeaten 46. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

Released from the Tamil Nadu squad midway through the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) last season, it was Shahrukh Khan (46 n.o., 30b, 5x4, 2x6) who on Saturday helped his team navigate a mid-innings wobble and post a competitive 172 for seven against Railways in its season opener this time. Tamil Nadu eventually pipped Railways by six runs at the Daly College ground here.

Coming in at 83 for three in 11.3 overs, Shahrukh revealed that Dinesh Karthik’s advice had influenced his approach. Karthik interacted with the players during a practice session ahead of the tournament.

“Dinesh told me that I could hit at any time and take on the bowlers whenever I wanted. But the most important thing was to take the team through a tough situation. When I came in, it wasn’t easy because we had lost two quick wickets. In terms of mindset, he has really helped me through the way he spoke to me during practice. His thoughts and words have always had a big influence on me. I think I’ve produced my best for Tamil Nadu under his captaincy,” he said.

He credited Karthik with laying the foundation for Tamil Nadu’s IPL generation.

“Five or six years ago, we had 10-12 players from Tamil Nadu playing in the IPL. The credit goes to him because we came in as youngsters and he really taught us how to play T20 cricket, how to go about things as a team, and how to win,” he said.

Shahrukh also acknowledged coach Yo Mahesh’s role in helping him understand his responsibility and what was expected of him.

“Yomi has also been having conversations with me over the last 20 days. Even during the Ranji Trophy, he called and spoke to me about how things were going and what he expected from me.

“A sense of calmness is really important. I calculated things well as the innings progressed,” he said.