Despite Delhi managing to end their winless 42-year drought against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy with an eight-wicket victory yesterday, it was the Mumbai middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, whose yet another First-Class century a couple of days earlier managed to become part of the sports headlines.
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The century was of utmost significance. Sarfaraz was overwhelmed with emotions of joy, anger and perhaps a myriad other ones which only he and his close ones would have later known. The reason? The ton arrived just three days after he was handed yet another selection snub from the Indian Test team, this time for the Border-Gavaskar series set to commence from February 9.
The 25-year-old, later, even admitted to have not been able to sleep upon being ignored yet again, but vowed to keep piling on the runs and continue with the fighting spirit.
For those unaware, its the third successive season in which Sarfaraz might well end up averaging over 100 in the Ranji Trophy. While he presently averages 92.66 in the ongoing season, he averaged 154.7 and 122.8 during the 2019/20 and 2021/22 seasons respectively. His FC average of 79.65 (at present) is second only to Don Bradman (minimum 50 innings).
How a young Sarfaraz Khan assured his father that he’s more fortunate than Arjun Tendulkar
Brought up in the slums of Mumbai, where his father-cum-coach Naushad Khan would do odd jobs to make the ends meet, life has been far from being a bed of roses for Sarfaraz growing up and pursuing his Cricketing dream.
A few years ago his father, during an interaction with Indian Express, narrated an emotional story involving him and his son where the latter would envy the privileges and riches possessed by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun Tendulkar. But, the young, matured Sarfaraz would soon also realize the real priceless treasure which he possessed as well – his father’s undivided time and attention towards him.
“Abbu, Arjun kitna naseebwala hai na? He’s Sachin sir’s son, and has cars, I-pads, everything,” remarked a young, innocent Sarfaraz as quoted by his father.
Father Naushad was short of words and gave a confirmation nod to his son, but was in for some moments filled with pride when Sarfaraz came running towards him to give him a warm hug and exclaim, “I’m more fortunate than him. You can devote the entire day to me. His father is not able to give him any time.”
