'We're going to see him become the main actor' - GT coach Ashish Nehra earmarks Shahrukh Khan for finisher role

Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra stated that destructive Tamil Nadu batter Shahrukh Khan will be donning the role of a finisher in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Shahrukh was a part of the Punjab Kings setup for three seasons but couldn't do justice to his potential. He was roped in by the Punjab-based franchise for the first time in IPL 2021 for INR 5.25 crore. In the mega auction ahead of IPL 2022, the right-handed batter was picked up by the Kings for a whopping amount of INR 9 crore. He was released by the Shikhar Dhawan-led franchise before the IPL 2024 auction and his services were acquired by Gujarat Titans for INR 7.40 crore.

The Titans started their journey in the IPL on a memorable note as they went on to win the title in their maiden appearance in 2022. They followed it up with a run to the finals last year. Nehra, who has played a key role in making the Gujarat-based franchise a formidable unit, spoke about some of the new recruits like Shahrukh, Spencer Johnson, and Azmatullah Omarzai during a recent interview.

"We're going to see Shahrukh Khan become the main actor," Nehra said when answering a question from the media about the finishers in the squad, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"IPL is a very long tournament. It's not like we're playing just three, four, five matches. Conditions are also difficult in May and June. It will be hard on the players, especially fast bowlers. Injuries can also happen. So every player we have is important and those we have are experienced. Spencer Johnson, if you see, wherever he's played, he's played well. Azmatullah Omarzai again, he has all the skills in this world as an allrounder and we are very hopeful that they'll have a great IPL," the 44-year-old added.

In the absence of Hardik Pandya, who has returned to Mumbai Indians, Shahrukh will have to play an important role for the Titans. The 28-year-old has scored 426 runs from 31 innings in the cash-rich league at an average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 134.81.

Those who have seen him playing for Tamil Nadu will know that he is a much better player than what his IPL numbers suggest. Gujarat fans will hope that the change in jersey will help the Chennai-born to change his fortunes in the tournament.

Also Read: 'I never tried to convince him to stay back' - Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya's move to Mumbai Indians

Gujarat will Kickstart their IPL 2024 campaign with a clash against Mumbai Indians at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24.