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Right-handed batter M Shahrukh Khan has been batting at the No. 4 position in the IPL so far, and on only three occasions has he faced more than 20 deliveries. In the 2025 IPL match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad, he walked in to bat during the tenth over with GT at 94 for 2.
Shahrukh made an immediate impact, striking four fours and two sixes to score a quickfire 36 off just 20 balls before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana. The defined role given to him by GT has allowed him to flourish and play with freedom.
"My role was pretty clear when they retained me itself - that I will be batting at No. 4 or 5.
"There is also the thing about left-right combination. Before this game, Sai [Sudharsan] had gotten out early, so [Sherfane] Rutherford had gone in at No. 4. That's how the combination works. But it was fun to bat at No. 4, [I] got some time [to get set]. Game time is important going forward in the tournament," said Shahrukh on the eve of the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
GT’s top order has done most of the scoring in the five matches so far, leaving the middle order with limited opportunities. However, on the one occasion they were tested, the middle order stepped up and delivered, helping GT climb to the top of the points table.
"The top three are getting the bulk of the runs. But there will be a situation, where wickets do fall. That's what our preparation been like since camps started. As middle order, we are ready for any situation that comes to us. Good thing is that in the last game a lot of got batting. So even if wickets fall, we are well-prepared to do our job," said the 29-year-old.
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Kishore is playing well: Shahrukh Khan
For GT, left-arm orthodox spinner Sai Kishore has emerged as one of the standout performers in this IPL season. With spin ace Rashid Khan yet to make a significant impact, Sai Kishore has seized his opportunity, taking 10 wickets so far. He has bowled with impressive control, maintaining an economy rate of 7.25 and an average of 13.30, and has outperformed the Afghan spinner in terms of wicket-taking this season.
"He's always been a fantastic bowler. Just because he has not got many games under his belt, doesn't mean he's lesser than somebody else in the team. He's always been bowling this way, and has got the opportunity now over a period of time to show what he is, and what skill he has in his kitty," said Shahrukh about his Tamil Nadu teammate.
The Tamil Nadu cricketer expressed happiness over his teammate’s exceptional performance, praising his control, form, and consistent bowling in the tournament, noting he had rarely seen him this sharp before.
"I have played a lot with him at Tamil Nadu and the way he has done for Tamil Nadu is exceptional. He's continuing the same form here. As a team-mate and state-mate, I am very happy for him the way he is doing. The ball is coming out of his hand really well. I haven't seen him bowl this brilliantly with so much control. Hardly any loose balls in this tournament. It is good to see, I am very happy for him," he added.
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