IPL 2021: “He reminds me of Pollard” – Anil Kumble heaps praise on new signing Shahrukh Khan


IPL 2021: “He reminds me of Pollard” – Anil Kumble heaps praise on new signing Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have gone for a bit of a revamp this year with regard to their team name, logo and the like. However, with regard to personnel, they have retained a sizable chunk of their players from last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They have also made a plethora of new signings such as those of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Dawid Malan, Moises Henriques and many more thanks to their large purse following Glenn Maxwell‘s departure.

One of their costliest buys and the most expensive Indian buy was that of Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shahrukh Khan who has earned a reputation for himself as an excellent finisher with the bat. Beginning at the base price of 20 lakhs, Shahrukh’s price skyrocketed as PBKS, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore bid for him at the auction. In the end, the bid stopped at 5.25 crores with PBKS securing his services.

Anil Kumble speaks on Shahrukh Khan

Anil-Kumble
Anil Kumble

In a video posted by the Punjab Kings’ official Twitter handle, head coach Anil Kumble can be seen praising Shahrukh Khan. “He (Shahrukh) reminds me a bit of Pollard actually. When I was with Mumbai Indians, Pollard in the nets was dangerous. I used to bowl a bit (in the nets), and the first thing I used to tell him was don’t hit straight. Here I’m not even trying. I’m a lot older now, and the body doesn’t take the bowling anymore. So, I’m not going to bowl at Shahrukh, for sure,” Kumble said.

Shahrukh Khan also expressed excitement with joining the Punjab camp and with getting picked at the auction. With the release of finishers in Maxwell and Jimmy Neesham, the side might look toward Shahrukh to fill in the finisher’s role while also freeing up an extra overseas slot among either the batsmen or the bowlers due to his all-round abilities.

Punjab Kings open their IPL campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on the 12th of April.

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