'My dad always stood by me' - Sarfaraz Khan recalls his father's impact on his career after earning his maiden India call-up

India's domestic circuit sensation Sarfaraz Khan has finally found his name in the national team squad. The youngster was constantly knocking on the doors of the Indian selectors with his impressive performances in first-class cricket, but all this time it did not open. However, the absence of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in the second Test against England finally paved the way for the middle-order batter's maiden call-up. 

Advertisment

Sarfaraz has done well for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy cricket in the last few seasons. He became the first Indian batter to score more than 900 runs in successive Ranji seasons. This took his first-class average from 25 matches to 82.83, second only to Sir Donald Bradman in the list of highest first-class averages of all time. Despite giving his best in India's premier red-ball tournament, he was always overlooked by the selectors and came under heavy criticism for his fitness. 

As he looks forward to donning the Indian white jersey for the first time in Visakhapatnam on Friday (February 2), the 26-year-old talked about how he is improving his game by meeting some of the game's greats. He also said that his father used to tell him that he plays like Pakistan legend Javed Miandad. 

"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. I want to continue doing this, whether it's in the Ranji Trophy or playing for India in the future," Sarfaraz told JioCinema.

Advertisment

My dad always stood by me: Sarfaraz opens up about his father's influence on his cricket career

His father Naushad Ahmed has played a huge role in shaping Sarfaraz's career. The man who always believed in his son's hard work used to go to UP or wherever the team was playing to watch him bat. Sarfaraz, who finally made it to Team India after years of hard work and determination, recalled his father's influence on his journey.

"My father introduced me to cricket, and I always wondered why am I even playing. It was disheartening to see others succeed while I wouldn't be among the runs. But my dad always believed in hard work, and everything I have is a result of that work," said Sarfaraz.

Advertisment

"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," he added.