Sarfaraz Khan is one cricketer who must be over the moon after his patience and perseverance was rewarded with a long overdue India call-up, with the Mumbai-born batsman earning his maiden international call-up for the 2nd Test against England.
Sarfaraz, in an exclusive interview with JioCinema, was asked about how he felt after receiving his maiden call-up and who his cricketing idols are.
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India, who lost the 1st Test, will play England in the 2nd Test of the five-match Test series at the ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on February 2. Sarfaraz could be in the line for his India debut as a replacement for the injured KL Rahul.
MORE: Harbhajan Singh backs Sarfaraz Khan to make his debut in Vizag
'I watch Javed Miandad because my father feels I play like him': Sarfaraz Khan
In the exclusive interview with JioCinema, Sarfaraz revealed all the players he idolises and watches in an attempt to learn and improve his own game.
I like to watch Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sir Vivian Richards, and even Javed Miandad because my dad has told me that I play like him. I watch Joe Root’s batting also. Anyone who is succeeding, I am watching them to see how they are doing it so I can learn and apply it when I am in the middle. I want to continue doing this, whether it’s in the Ranji Trophy or playing for India in the future.
Sarfaraz was also asked about his father, Naushad Khan's role in his cricketing journey, with the latter coaching both Sarfaraz and his younger brother, Musheer, who is currently playing a starring role for India at the ICC Men's U19 World Cup in South Africa.
My father introduced me to cricket, and I always wondered why am I even playing. By nature I am an attacking batsman and I used to get out sooner than other and scoring big runs was getting difficult. It was disheartening to see others succeed while I wouldn’t be among the runs. Even when I moved from Mumbai to UP, he would take flights to come and see me. He would start bowling to me on the terrace or the road itself before selection trials.
Now I realise the impact and importance of those efforts. When I came back to Mumbai from UP, I was scared if this would bring a halt to my career and I strongly felt there was no future ahead of me, but my dad always stood by me. There’s no guarantee in life if you don’t get opportunities. But my dad always believed in hard work, and everything I have is a result of that work.
Sarfaraz has been playing domestic cricket since 2014, but has been criticised for his fitness levels, or lack thereof, in the past. The 26-year-old described how he practices everyday and what helps him bat for longer periods in a game.
My strength is that I am not satisfied easily. I play 500-600 balls every day. If I don’t play at least 200-300 balls in a match, I feel like I haven’t done much. It’s a habit now. Practice in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I am used to only one thing, batting and facing deliveries. If you want to play five-day cricket, you have to stay patient and practice every day. I play cricket all day and that’s why I can stay on the pitch for a long time.
What is Sarfaraz Khan's first-class record?
Sarfaraz made his domestic debut for Mumbai as a 17-year-old in 2014 against Bengal at the Eden Gardens.
So far, he has played 45 games for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, while also regularly featuring for the India A outfit.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | S.R. | 50s | 100s | HS |
| 45 | 66 | 3912 | 69.86 | 70.48 | 14 | 11 | 301* |
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