In an exclusive interview, Indian player Sarfaraz Khan talked about how Mumbai cricketers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to record their presence in the Kanga League tournament. The right-handed batter
appeared for Parkophone Cricketers and produced a phenomenal innings of 61 off 42 against Islam Gymkhana on August 10. With this innings, Sarfaraz strove to grab selectors’ attention to regain a spot in Team India’s Test squad. Sarfaraz played his last Test in November 2024 against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium. In the contest, he racked up 0 and 1, and following these performances, he was left out of India’s red-ball playing XI.
Following the Kanga League match, Sarfaraz Khanhad a conversation with Mid-Day and urged all young players from Mumbai to play the local Mumbai tournament. He also gave examples of legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar. “All Mumbai players should play [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 play 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,” said Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz Khan overall Test numbers and performance for India A in England
Sarfaraz Khan has played six Tests for India and hoarded 371 runs with a hundred and three fifties in 11 innings. In February 2024, he broke into international cricket with his red-ball appearance against England in Rajkot. The right-handed batter chipped in with his 62 and unbeaten 68 in his side’s colossal 434-run victory.
Discussing his recent performances, he was also a part of India A lineup against England Lions for a couple of games. In the first unofficial Test, he scored 92 off 119. Sarfaraz will look to be effective with his bat for the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025, to become a strong contender to break into India’s Test squad against the West Indies to be held at home in October.
