In a heartfelt revelation, uncapped Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan recently shared the emotional journey that led him to his maiden call-up to the Indian cricket team for the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam, starting on February 2.
The 26-year-old Mumbai right-hander, who had to overcome numerous challenges and wait patiently for his opportunity, credited his father, Naushad Khan, as his coach and the guiding force behind his relentless pursuit of success.
“I would get teary-eyed thinking about making it to the team. But my dad told me, ‘Just work hard, and nothing can stop you.’ It’s crucial to believe in yourself and be patient,” he said. This emotional revelation by Sarfaraz sheds light on the emotional rollercoaster he experienced during his quest for national recognition.
Naushad Khan, Sarfaraz’s father and coach since childhood, played a pivotal role in motivating his son to persevere in the face of adversity. The father-son duo’s close bond is evident in Sarfaraz’s acknowledgment of his father’s influence.
“Everyone is aware that my dad is my coach, and my main aim was to make sure his efforts in training me paid off. I always dreamt of representing my country, so I’m thrilled that the effort I invested has not been in vain,” he added.
Sarfaraz Khan’s journey is a testament to the power of familial support, determination, and unwavering self-belief. As he reflects on his proud moment of making it to the Indian team, he expressed gratitude for his father’s unwavering support.
“I’m also pleased for my dad. Achieving a spot in the Indian team is a moment of pride amidst the vast population of 125 crore people,” he concluded.
The upcoming Test match against England at Vizag presents a crucial opportunity for Sarfaraz Khan to showcase his talent and contribute significantly to India’s success.
With KL Rahul sidelined due to injury, Sarfaraz finds himself in contention for a spot in the playing XI, alongside Rajat Patidar. The right-hander’s inclusion could play a pivotal role in India’s bid to make a comeback in the Test series.
Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive record in domestic cricket
Sarfaraz Khan has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, shining in both the Ranji Trophy and India A matches.
In the 2019-20 and 2021-22 Ranji Trophy seasons, he stood out with averages of 154 and 122.75. Although the 2022-23 season showed a slight decline, he still maintained an impressive average of 92. Among active players, Sarfaraz boasts the best Ranji Trophy average of 81.13.
After being the youngest player in IPL history when picked by RCB in 2015, Sarfaraz struggled to establish himself in the league. Unfortunately, this setback affected his performance in domestic cricket as well. In an attempt to revive his career, he briefly moved to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh.
Since his return to the 41-time Ranji Trophy champions, Sarfaraz has been dominating the scoring charts, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in his form. Team India would want Sarfaraz to continue his good run to make a comeback in the ongoing Test series.