Mohammad Kaif slams Indian team management after Sarfaraz Khan’s Irani Cup 2024 blitz

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif hailed the remarkable resilience of the young Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan while reflecting on his roller-coaster journey, as he was recently overlooked for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

Kaif’s bold statement came after Sarfaraz made a powerful statement to the Indian selectors, captain Rohit Sharma, and head coach Gautam Gambhir with an outstanding performance in the ongoing Irani Cup 2024.

Sarfaraz Khan’s Irani Cup double ton sends clear message to selectors amid Test snub

Representing Mumbai in the ongoing Irani Cup 2024 against the Rest of India, Sarfaraz Khan hammered 222* runs, leading his team to a massive total of 537 in their first innings.

His innings were nothing short of destructive, as he ruthlessly punished the Rest of India bowlers. Sarfaraz Khan's remarkable knock spanned 286 balls, featuring 25 boundaries and four towering sixes, which meant that 124 of his 222 runs came purely from boundaries.

It seemed that the youngster was venting his frustration over being left out of the Test squad on the opposition. With this incredible inning, Sarfaraz etched his name in the record books, as he became the first Mumbai player to score a double hundred in the Irani Cup.

He also joined an elite group of double centurions in the Irani Cup, like Wasim Jaffer, Ravi Shastri, Praveen Amre, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who all achieved their feats for the Rest of India. His batting brilliance left many, including Mohammad Kaif, in awe.

The former Indian batter has pointed out that Sarfaraz Khan, who is known for his raw talent and never-say-die attitude, has faced troubles throughout his career so far, including a challenging childhood, persistent criticism over his fitness, and an unsuccessful stint with Uttar Pradesh (UP).

India is lucky to have Sarfaraz on the bench: Kaif

However, every setback has only fueled his determination to bounce back stronger, and Kaif believes that despite facing hurdles, Sarfaraz Khan's consistency in the domestic circuit showcases how India is fortunate to have such a talented player waiting in the wings.

His stunning double century in the Irani Trophy has reminded everyone of the untapped potential that India possesses in Sarfaraz, and Kaif added that having the Mumbai batter in the reserves is a sign of the depth and talent that the Indian cricket team is blessed with.

Mohammad Kaif posted on X: “Sarfaraz Khan has gone through a lot in life. Tough childhood, criticism over fitness, unsuccessful switch to UP, but every time he has bounced back. Irani double hundred shows India is lucky to have him on the bench.”

Here's Kaif's tribute post for Khan:

Sarfaraz Khan has gone through a lot in life. Tough childhood, criticism over fitness, unsuccessful switch to UP but everytime he has bounced back. Irani double hundred shows India is lucky to have him on the bench.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 3, 2024

It will be interesting to see if Sarfaraz Khan gets another chance to don the Indian jersey, especially with Team India facing a packed Test schedule this year. India is all set to host New Zealand in a three-match Test series, starting on October 16.

They have recently won a home Test series 2-0 against Bangladesh. The Mumbai batter was overlooked for KL Rahul in the Bangladesh Test series, but the Karnataka star also failed to deliver in the recently concluded two-match Test series at home.