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After Losing 17 Kilos, Sarfaraz Khan Makes Another Bold Move To Revive His Test Career
Follow UsThe 27-year-old has also shed 17 kilos and is looking fitter than ever
Sarfaraz Khan is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to return to the Indian Test set-up. The 27-year-old has shed 17 kilos and is looking fitter than ever. In a move to prepare himself for the upcoming home season, he is now playing in Mumbai’s famous Kanga League, a monsoon tournament known for its tough batting conditions.
Playing for Parkophene CC, Sarfaraz scored 61 runs, while his brother Musheer got 84 for Payyade SC.
“During my childhood, I heard many stories from my father (Naushad Khan) about how Sunil Gavaskar sir once turned up for a Kanga League match despite returning from England the same morning,” Sarfaraz told Mid-day.
“So, Musheer (my younger brother) and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening (Saturday), we were hoping it wouldn’t rain today.
“It rained a bit this morning, but when I reached Islam Gymkhana, the weather was good. I played my last Kanga League match three years ago. I was going through the league fixture book before this game and saw my name in it for scoring a century in 2018, and it felt nice.”
Sarfaraz believes the tournament holds great value for Mumbai cricketers. “All Mumbai players should play the Kanga League. Some players feel that if they fail here, it’ll be bad for their future.
“But if Gavaskar sir and Sachin Tendulkar sir thought the same way, they might not have gone on to become legends. If big players participate in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the city’s youngsters. Kanga League is such a tournament that if you succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world.”
The right-handed batter has scored 371 runs in six Tests at an average of 37.10, including three fifties and a century. He was part of India’s squad for the tour of Australia but didn’t get a game.
Left out of the squad for the five-match Test series in England, Sarfaraz still managed to impress during India A’s tour of England, scoring 92 runs in his only innings against England Lions in Canterbury.
India are scheduled to play two home Tests against West Indies in October, followed by two against South Africa in November.