Ashish Nehra tips 'main actor' Shahrukh Khan for big IPL 2024 impact after Hardik Pandya's exit

As the countdown to IPL 2024 begins, Gujarat Titans‘ head coach, Ashish Nehra, has cast his gaze upon the team’s uncapped talent, Shahrukh Khan, envisioning him as the linchpin of their campaign. Nehra, instrumental in securing Khan’s transfer from Punjab Kings, made a bold statement regarding the youngster’s potential impact in the upcoming season.

Having acquired Khan for a hefty sum of 7.4 crores in last year’s Dubai auction, the Titans have demonstrated their faith in the young hitter’s abilities to deliver under pressure. Ashish Nehra’s assertion underscores the strategic vision behind the Titans’ recruitment strategy, banking on Shahrukh Khan’s prowess to elevate the team’s performance. “We’re going to see Shahrukh Khan become the main actor,” Ashish Nehra told reporters.

Ashish Nehra says IPL is a difficult avenue for players

However, Ashish Nehra’s optimism is tempered by the harsh realities of IPL’s grueling schedule. With matches spanning over two months and played in the sweltering heat of March, April, and May, the tournament presents formidable challenges for players. Nehra, a former fast bowler himself, recognizes the toll these conditions can take on the players, particularly the pace bowlers who bear the brunt of the intense weather.

Moreover, Nehra’s acknowledgment of the risk of injuries further underscores the unpredictable nature of the tournament. In a competition where every match is crucial, the absence of key players due to injuries can significantly impact a team’s prospects.

“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,” Ashish Nehra added. 

As the Titans prepare to embark on their IPL journey without Hardik Pandya leading the side for the first time since their inception in 2022, Nehra’s words serve as a reminder of the team’s need for collective effort and resilience. Despite falling short in the previous season’s finale against MS Dhoni’s CSK, the Titans will look to regroup and mount a strong challenge for the coveted title in IPL 2024.

Ashish Nehra also appreciated Gujarat’s Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson whom they bought for a whopping 10 crores, claiming he will have a good IPL season. Nehra also highlighted the proficient skills of Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.

“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,” Ashish Nehra concluded. 

Gujarat Titans Full squad for IPL 2024

Shubman Gill (c), David Miller, Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B. Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma, Azmatullah Omarzai, Umesh Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Manav Suthar, Spencer Johnson. Players injured/withdrawn: Mohammed Shami, Robin Minz.

GT will play their opening match against Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians on Sunday, March 24.