Cricket

Ahead of the highly anticipated two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan expressed his excitement at the prospect of sharing the dressing room with Indian legend Virat Kohli. Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, is eager to connect with his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate.During the England series, Khan was unable to meet Kohli, who withdrew due to personal reasons. However, the youngster has always admired Kohli's leadership skills and ability to inspire his team."His passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone," Khan told JioCinema. "To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability."Khan also shared his first encounter with Kohli, expressing his desire to be his teammate in the national team. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed to me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him, and it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity."Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel hopes to continue his strong form from his debut Test series against Bangladesh. Jurel sought Kohli's advice on maintaining consistency throughout his career."I asked him how he stayed so consistent and how I could improve my game. It's something I've always been curious about. I even asked Dhoni sir the same thing. They have become legends, and there must be a secret behind it. I know now that doing what seems boring and easy repetitively has built these legends," Jurel said.Kohli emphasized the importance of discipline and repetition in achieving success. "Kohli told me that if doing the boring things were so easy to do, everyone would be doing it. You have to keep doing those things, and then you'll be able to accomplish your dreams," Jurel added.Khan has learned the value of routine and self-awareness from observing Kohli over the years at RCB. "He is clear about his game. He knows the work a player needs to keep doing and that criticism or praise shouldn't affect your game. 'This is my work, I have to do this in the morning, this in the afternoon, this in the evening, and sleep at a specific time.' That's what I have learned from him."Both players also highlighted specific aspects of Kohli's batting technique that impressed them. Jurel praised his ability to step out and hit over the covers, while Khan admired his flick shot and cover drive.The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Thursday.

Virat Kohli's Gesture of Respect Inspires Young Sarfaraz KhanFor a 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan, being greeted by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli with a bow and folded hands was a surreal experience. The gesture, which came after Khan's impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left an unforgettable mark on the young batter.On April 29, 2015, Khan had just scored a blistering 21-ball 45 for RCB, helping his team reach a formidable total of 200 for 7 against Rajasthan Royals. As Khan returned to the pavilion, Kohli, the RCB captain, approached him with a warm smile and a respectful bow.Recalling the moment, Khan expressed his admiration for Kohli's humility and leadership. "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him; it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity," Khan told Jio Cinema.Khan also praised Kohli's unwavering passion and dedication to the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Khan said.The mutual respect between Kohli and Khan is set to continue as they prepare to team up for India in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Kohli has been training in Chennai, Khan is expected to join the squad soon after completing his Duleep Trophy commitments.Khan's journey from a young prodigy to a potential Indian star has been marked by hard work and determination. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering belief in his abilities have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. With Kohli as his mentor and guide, Khan is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

As the highly anticipated two-match Test series between Bangladesh and India draws near, Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan has heaped praise upon captain Rohit Sharma, highlighting his exceptional leadership qualities.Khan, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has been impressed by Sharma's ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment within the team. "He's very different, makes you comfortable, and is like an elder brother to us," Khan said in an interview with Jio Cinema. "He never treats you like a junior. He's a positive guy. The way he speaks, it boosts your confidence."Khan's admiration for Sharma extends beyond his leadership style. He also draws inspiration from the captain's unwavering determination and belief in his teammates. "For me, he's Lagaan's Aamir Khan," Khan added, referring to the iconic Bollywood film. "It feels like he's part of your family."Sharma's leadership will be crucial as India aims to secure a series victory against Bangladesh. The team will be bolstered by the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a potentially fatal accident in December 2022. Pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal have also received their maiden Test call-ups.The first Test match will commence on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second will be played in Kanpur from September 27. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will be eager to make a winning start to his Test tenure.With Sharma at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, India will be confident of extending their dominance over Bangladesh in the longest format of the game.

India's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh presents a dilemma for the team management: prioritize immediate success or prepare for the crucial tour of Australia later this year. The choice between Sarfaraz Khan's flamboyant batting and KL Rahul's experience has become a focal point.Khan's impressive performances in the home series against England showcased his fearless approach and technical prowess. His twin half-centuries in Rajkot and another fifty in Dharamsala highlighted his precise footwork and ability to handle both pace and spin. However, Rahul's decade-long experience in the national setup and his role as former Test captain give him an edge.A BCCI source emphasized Rahul's recent performances and fitness as key factors. Despite missing two previous Test tours of Australia due to injuries, Rahul scored a century in Sydney in 2014. His knack for scoring at significant overseas venues, combined with his extensive range of strokes, keeps him ahead in the pecking order.The same principle of continuity applies to the wicketkeeper position, where Rishabh Pant's exceptional Test credentials make him the preferred choice over Dhruv Jurel. Jurel's impressive performance in the England series is acknowledged, but Pant's exceptional Test record remains unmatched.One position with notable competition is the third spinner's spot, where Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are contenders. Axar's recent performances in the Duleep Trophy, where he showcased his all-round skills, have strengthened his case. However, Kuldeep's previous success against Bangladesh and his array of variations might give him an edge on favorable batting tracks.While Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel have proven their potential, the emphasis for now seems to be on experience and previously demonstrated success. India's team management is balancing immediate responsibilities with strategic preparations for the Australia tour, where continuity and experience will be crucial.

In a thrilling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Musheer Khan and his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan showcased their batting prowess in the Duleep Trophy clash between India B and India A.Musheer Khan, batting for India B, played a remarkable innings in the first innings, smashing 181 runs. However, his second innings was cut short when he was dismissed for a duck by Akash Deep.Undeterred by his brother's dismissal, Sarfaraz Khan stepped up to the plate and launched a blistering attack on Akash Deep, who had dismissed his brother. In a single over, Sarfaraz hit five consecutive fours, showcasing his exceptional batting skills.India B restricted India A to 231 runs in the first innings, gaining a significant 90-run lead. At Tea on Day 3, India B was 33/3, with the match evenly poised.Akash Deep opened the bowling in the final session, but Sarfaraz Khan was unfazed. He left the first delivery alone, but then unleashed a series of elegant shots. He cut a wide delivery for a boundary, drove a good-length ball through the covers for another four, and flicked an inswinger past square leg for a third boundary.Sarfaraz continued his onslaught, driving an overpitched ball straight of mid-off and then cracking a short delivery square past point for the fifth boundary of the over. His 46-run knock, which included seven fours and a six, came off just 36 balls before he was eventually dismissed by Avesh Khan.

Dinesh Karthik Advocates for Gill and Khan to Replace Pujara and Rahane in Border-Gavaskar TrophyFormer Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has suggested that Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan should be considered as potential replacements for veteran batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Karthik believes that Gill and Khan have the potential to fill the void left by Pujara and Rahane, who have struggled for form in recent times. Both Gill and Khan have impressed with their performances in domestic cricket and have shown glimpses of their talent at the international level.Gill has already made a significant impact in Tests, particularly in challenging conditions. His ability to handle pressure and perform under duress was evident during India's memorable series win in Australia in 2020/21. Khan, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, scoring heavily against formidable bowling attacks. His impressive showings in the home series against England earlier this year have further strengthened his case for inclusion in the squad for the Australian tour.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-match series, will be a stern test for India's batting lineup. The matches will be played in Perth, Adelaide (featuring a pink-ball Test), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Team India will be aiming to extend their dominance in Australia, having clinched the previous two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018/19 and 2020/21 Down Under.

Sarfaraz Khan's journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. After making his first-class debut in 2014, he amassed a staggering number of runs, yet the elusive dream of playing for India remained out of reach.Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018, Sarfaraz was benched due to fitness concerns. However, he returned to Mumbai in 2019 and embarked on a remarkable run, scoring 928 runs in six matches at an average of 154.66. This performance earned him a recall to the Indian Test squad.In the third Test against England in Rajkot, Sarfaraz made his debut at the expense of Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer. Despite the absence of Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz was not initially selected in the Test squad. However, with K.L. Rahul also out of commission, Sarfaraz was drafted into the side.On his debut, Sarfaraz showcased his aggressive batting style, smashing 161 off just 160 deliveries. He played with a fearless mindset, unfazed by the pressure of playing in his first Test match. Sarfaraz's innings helped India recover from a precarious position and set the stage for a memorable victory.In the subsequent Tests, Sarfaraz continued to impress, scoring a half-century in the second innings of the Rajkot Test and a fierce 56 in the final Test in Dharamsala. He has now scored three half-centuries in his first five Test innings and averages an impressive 50.India's selection panel now faces a dilemma, as Sarfaraz's performances have put him in contention for a regular spot in the middle order. With Kohli and Rahul returning to the team, there is only one middle-order slot up for grabs.Sarfaraz's main competition comes from Devdutt Padikkal, who made a promising debut in Dharamsala. However, Sarfaraz's experience and proven ability to score runs in difficult situations make him a strong candidate for selection.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Sarfaraz remains focused on his goal of becoming a regular member of the Indian Test team. He knows that he has earned his spurs, and he is determined to continue making the most of every opportunity he gets.

Mumbai's hopes of salvaging a draw against TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu tournament were dashed as star batters Shreyas Iyer and Sarfaraz Khan fell in quick succession to short-pitched deliveries. The visitors, chasing a daunting 510, had shown promise in the first session, reaching 119 for two in 40 overs. However, TNCA XI's unconventional fielding setup, featuring a fly slip, fine third-man, and a fielder positioned between fine-leg and square-leg, proved to be their undoing.Sai Kishore's introduction of this unorthodox fielding arrangement disrupted Iyer's rhythm, and the pacer's pull shot went straight to the TNCA XI skipper's hands. Achyuth's next over saw Sarfaraz caught at deep backward point off a wide and rising delivery. Mumbai's batting lineup crumbled from 122 for two to 122 for five, with Sai Kishore also accounting for Sidhaant Aadhhathrao.The visitors never recovered from that jolt and were bundled out for 223, handing TNCA XI a 286-run victory and a berth in the semifinals. Achyuth, who made his debut in the match, expressed his delight at dismissing batters who have played for India. "The length is important, but that spell was more about short balls and the pace helped a bit," he said.

Sarfaraz Khan, the prolific Indian domestic run-scorer, has been enduring a five-month competitive match hiatus since his Test debut against England in February. Despite his impressive performance in that match, where he scored 56 off 60 balls, Sarfaraz's place in India's middle order is uncertain with the return of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.Undeterred, Sarfaraz has maintained a rigorous practice regimen, aiming to regain his form in the ongoing Buchi Babu cricket tournament. "There is nothing called off-season for me," he told The Indian Express. "I wake up by 4.15 am and start the day with long-distance running. I can now run 5 km in half an hour."Sarfaraz's fitness regime also includes gym sessions and fielding drills in the morning, followed by batting practice in the evening. His dedication has paid off, as he has shed the bulky figure that drew criticism before his Test debut.Despite his impressive first-class average of nearly 70, Sarfaraz had to wait until February 2024 to make his Test debut. He remains unfazed by the competition, stating, "I have zero expectations... But I'll be ready if the opportunity arises."Sarfaraz's participation in the Buchi Babu tournament and the rebranded Duleep Trophy as part of India B will provide him with much-needed match practice. "I've not had this level of practice in Mumbai because of the rains," he explained. "But I don't like batting indoors because the ball comes nicely onto the bat. It is not the case on turf because it will challenge you a lot."With India's World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle resuming with two Tests against Bangladesh in September, Sarfaraz is determined to prove his worth. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to improvement make him a strong contender for a spot in the XI.