This SRK is PK’s blockbuster pick
Most of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s movies are based on love and heartbreak. The journey of his namesake, one of the biggest attractions at the IPL auction on Thursday, has followed a similar script.
As someone who had a strong desire to play in the IPL when he was a teen, getting the snub from franchises last year was heartbreaking for Tamil Nadu batsman Shahrukh Khan. It upset him terribly when he found no takers despite his stellar performance in the domestic circuit. But he didn’t lose hope. The 25-year-old channelled his energy into performing for his state. This year, when he played a key role in Tamil Nadu’s title triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a couple of franchises asked him to attend trials.
When the auction was being held on Thursday, Shahrukh was on his way back after training and watching the proceedings on his mobile phone. “I was in the team bus. I was a bit nervous in the beginning but after the first bid went up, I was super excited,” said Shahrukh from Indore where Tamil Nadu are preparing for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“It definitely feels great to play for a franchise like Punjab. KL Rahul is a dynamic captain. I am excited to play under coach Anil Kumble sir. I am hoping to learn a lot from them,” added Shahrukh.
From his base price of `20 lakh to the winning bid of `5.25 crore, it was a fierce battle that played out. “To be honest, money is secondary for me and there are a lot of other important things I need to do now. The focus is only on my game and not money,” he said.
Shahrukh expressed his gratitude to personal trainer Azariah Prabhakar and TN assistant coach R. Prassana for shaping his career. “They have always been there for me and I can rely on them for anything. I feel grateful to have them as my guiding light. And my family has also played a special role in my career. Right now, they all have mixed emotions. I just hope they calm down soon,” he said.