Sarfaraz Khan Opens Up After Team India Selection Snub: 'Can't Do Anything About the Past'
Over the past year, Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, facing consistent exclusion from the Indian national cricket team despite delivering a series of impressive performances. While he has not been provided with a clear rationale for his omission, this setback has not deterred him from relentlessly pursuing his aspirations in the sport.
A Philosophical Approach to Adversity
On the eve of Mumbai's final league-round Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, Sarfaraz was questioned about how he manages the ongoing situation. His response was remarkably composed and reflective. "I try to stay in the present. I can't do anything about the past. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. All I know is that I'm going to go home, bat at home, spend time with my father, sleep at the hotel and play the match tomorrow. I don't think about the future. I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing for years," he stated.
Consistent Performances and Future Ambitions
Sarfaraz recently scored his fifth first-class double century against Hyderabad in the penultimate league match, a crucial contribution that helped Mumbai secure an outright victory and confirm a spot in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals. He expressed his commitment to continuous improvement, with a particular focus on enhancing his white-ball cricket skills. "I'm working hard on my white-ball game. I want to play for India in white-ball cricket and I'm paying attention to that," he emphasized.
Family Support and Brotherly Bond
During his interaction with reporters, Sarfaraz also discussed his collaboration with his younger brother, Musheer Khan, confidently predicting that Musheer will one day captain the Indian team. "I'm also working with Musheer. His bowling complements his batting and vice versa. It's not a big deal for him. Musheer is going to be the captain of the Indian team one day. I keep an eye on him. He's young and plays all three formats," he shared. He added that their father finds solace in Musheer's all-round abilities, unlike during Sarfaraz's early days when his inability to bowl was a source of disappointment.
IPL Opportunity and Gratitude
Sarfaraz has been selected by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League, an opportunity he considers himself fortunate to receive. He admitted that playing for such a prestigious franchise was beyond his initial expectations. "My dream was to play with the legends of this generation. I played with Virat bhai at RCB. I never thought I'd get a chance to play with Rohit bhai, but I did in the Test team. I never thought I'd play with Mahi bhai, especially after he retired from international cricket. But after going unsold, CSK picked me in the IPL. I consider myself very lucky," he expressed.
Insights on Modern Cricket Trends
The IPL serves as a significant platform for exposure and often paves the way for national team selection. Sarfaraz acknowledged the shifting focus among young cricketers, noting that many are hesitant to concentrate on red-ball cricket. "If you look at youngsters these days, they don't want to focus on red-ball cricket. But white-ball cricket is also very important," he remarked, highlighting the balance needed in today's cricketing landscape.
Context of the Upcoming Match
Delhi, led by Ayush Doseja, has endured a disappointing season and will be without key players Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, both selected for India A in a T20 World Cup warm-up game. This adds an extra layer of challenge for Sarfaraz and Mumbai as they prepare for their crucial encounter.
