India Test batter Sarfaraz Khan celebrated triumph in the Irani Trophy with his father and brother on Monday, October 7. Sarfaraz, who has been dropped from India’s squad for the Bangladesh series, pulverized the Rest of India attack with a phenomenal double century, paving the way for Mumbai’s victory in the Irani Cup.
Sarfaraz’s sibling Musheer was unable to play for Mumbai owing to regaining acute injuries caused by a car accident. As per sources who spoke to India Today, Musheer was accompanying his father Naushad Khan on the road from Azamgarh to Lucknow when their vehicle overturned four to five times. Musheer was in a neck brace and his father completed angels and took a few bruises. It is highly believed that the young batter will not be taking the field for a long time owing to the nature of his injury.
However, Musheer could not take part in the match but Sarfaraz scored an impressive double ton in the first innings vs. Mumbai in the Irani Trophy. After being an adjudged player of the match, Sarfaraz dedicated the win to his brother.
“The trophy is for the team but I had made a promise at home, that I will score one hundred for Musheer. This one is for him,” Sarfaraz said to the channel in the post match interview.
This was also the first Irani Cup victory for Mumbai since the season of 1997-98. The giants of Indian domestic cricket have managed to reach eight finals, not winning any of them, the last of which was in the season of 2015-16. Mumbai’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, appeared to be elated with pride in regards to the team’s performance.
“After 27 long years, it feels really good to win the trophy. It was a red-soil wicket, and if asked, I would like to take Tanush Kotian for his admirable performances not just in this match but all through the season,” expressed Rahane. “The Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup, I feel, are everyone’s, including the maidan cricketers and the numerous other cricketers in the Mumbai region.
Sarfaraz Khan’s first innings double century (200) was the spine of Mumbai’s all-round dominance in the match. The batter in form has been making an impact in the domestic circuit for quite some time now and this knock was yet another indication of his prowess. Looking back at his performance, Sarfaraz said, “I adhered to the process properly and entered the tournament with adequate practice. Ground and pitch experience is something you gain through exposure and playing. There is a lot for me to learn in terms of being in the Test team and bettering each and every aspect of my game.”
