His family originated from Russia. A clamour by his star struck cousins forced his parents to name him after a prominent Bollywood celebrity. He loves movies but is driven by a bigger passion.
This Pathan with a shy smile is neither short of dreams nor ability on the cricketing arena.
Meet the 19-year-old M. Shahrukh Khan, easily among the most promising young batsmen in the State. Standing at 6’2, the right-hander is a smooth-stroker who can pierce fields.
Former South Zone batsman and Shahrukh’s mentor at the UFCC (T. Nagar) club, J.R. Madanagopal said, “He has lovely hands. After a long time I have seen a young batsman with such good hands.
“He has a wonderful sense of timing too. There is intent at the crease when he is around. In several respects, his batting has old fashioned charm.”
Indeed, the rhythm and flow in Shahrukh’s batsmanship is hard to miss. His innings of 68 for TNCA President’s XI against Hyderabad in the Kalpathi AGS-Buchi Babu final was laden with promise. The wristy whips between square-leg and mid-wicket and the elegant drives through covers thrilled the senses.
Shahrukh had made 118 at the expense of the Gujarat attack in the semifinal. He comprehends the value of building an innings.
“He has realised that as he moves up in cricket and against better attacks, he will need to bide his time,” said Madanagopal.
Shahrukh said to The Hindu , “I was told by Madanagopal sir and Sharath sir that there will be times when I will have to see off probing spells.
“But if I am patient, the bowlers will tire and start leaking runs at some point.”
State coach W.V. Raman has worked on Shahrukh’s batting too.
And Shahrukh has been making some telling moves of late. He already has four centuries — one in Buchi Babu, two in TNCA first division league and another in VAP Trophy — this season. He has appeared less hurried and more in control at the crease. A place in the Ranji Trophy team beckons.
The youngster who admires Sachin Tendulkar for his “phenomenal talent” and Rahul Dravid for his “work ethics” has also brought about some changes in his approach.
“I no longer hook or pull against short-pitched balls from pacemen. I see the ball early and then duck. Earlier, out of 10 times, I would clear the ropes on six occasions but get out the other four times.”
A fluent driver off his front foot, Shahrukh has been working on his back-foot game; an essential component of batting.
A product of Don Bosco and then St. Bede’s, Shahrukh now turns out for Guru Nanak College. He has moved from clubs as well, from UFCC to Indian Bank to Grand Slam, taking in things all the way.
Shahrukh’s strokes have seldom gone unnoticed; he caught the attention of former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming during the Junior Super Kings camp. He is a swift mover on the field who excels at point; trainer Azariah Prabhakar helps the young man keep fit.
The cricketer’s father Masood Khan is a travel agent. Shahrukh can go places too if he transforms his potential into performances on bigger stages.
