Not Thinking Of A National Call-up, Says Sarfaraz Khan

Mumbai star Sarfaraz Khan took this season’s Ranji Trophy by storm. The campaign started on a disappointing note for the former India U19 star as he was not included in the playing eleven for the first three games. But once he got a chance, there was no looking back at all.

While Mumbai failed to reach the quarterfinals, the 22-year old had a breathtaking season. Sarfaraz Khan made the most of the opportunities he got by slamming a triple century and an unbeaten double ton. Overall, he amassed 605 runs across three innings between two dismissals and ended the season with a 177-run innings against Madhya Pradesh.

But while his performance this season has once again started gathering attention for him, the batsman himself is not getting carried away. Sarfaraz Khan has made it clear that he is not looking too far away. He will be soon seen in action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will play for Kings XI Punjab.

“Whenever I get a chance, I have to do well not only in the IPL. I am not thinking of a national call-up, I am thinking of today. Everyone wants to play for India but for that you need to work hard,” Sarfaraz Khan told IANS.

Sarfaraz has been around the fringes of domestic cricket for half a decade and was tipped as the next big thing. But inconsistent displays and poor fitness soon saw him falling down the pecking order. However, things have started changing since he switched from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh for “better opportunities”.

“I was not getting opportunities. I was waiting for an opportunity. I was waiting for my time to come,” he said.

“My dad said so I went [to Uttar Pradesh]. I thought I had to come back to Mumbai to make a career. The UP team was not playing me so I had no choice.

“I don”t think of what happened in the past. I think of the present and what to do the next day. It”s a proud feeling to play for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy,” he added.

Also Read: India In Serious Danger Of Losing 2023 World Cup Hosting Rights As ICC Tightens Stance