‘I merely concentrate on issues underneath my management,’ says Sarfaraz, after 150 in opposition to NZ in 1st Take a look at

Sarfaraz Khan performs a shot, on 4th day of the primary Take a look at match between India and New Zealand on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 19, 2024.
| Picture Credit score: Ok. Murali Kumar

Sarfaraz Khan took his probability and ran with it. Drafted into the XI in opposition to New Zealand for the primary Take a look at in Bengaluru rather than an injured Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz confronted the strain to carry out.

A duck on Thursday was a factor of the previous when he batted within the second innings. In a knock that will likely be remembered for years to return, Sarfaraz put the opposition into panic mode with an excellent 150. The query now arises — accommodate the shape Mumbaikar within the XI when Gill is again to motion?

Sarfaraz can remedy this puzzle the one manner he is aware of — making mountains of runs on each the worldwide and home circuit.

Requested how he stays motivated when he’s out of the facet, Sarfaraz replied, “I simply preserve following the identical course of. I’ve been scoring runs for the final 4 to 5 years. I merely concentrate on the issues underneath my management, and do properly in follow.”

Comical sight

The 26-year-old was concerned in a tangle with Rishabh Pant early of their partnership, when Pant survived a straightforward run-out probability. Sarfaraz was seen animatedly leaping up and all the way down to catch Pant’s consideration and refuse the second — fairly a comical sight.

“Rishabh had received struck on his knee a few days again. So there was a dialogue that we have to run rigorously. After enjoying a late reduce, I known as for 2 (runs).

“However I quickly realised that he has an injured knee and wouldn’t be capable to run quick. Due to this fact, I instantly stated ‘No’ and raised my hand after the primary run, however Pant saved operating at me with out watching me,” Sarfaraz stated.

Sarfaraz used the late and higher reduce to nice impact — a shot he practices at his residence in Mumbai.

“I like enjoying the balls that rise excessive. I’ve a bouncy wicket again at residence. I play usually there, and the bounce simply permits me to chop the ball. They (Kiwis) had been attempting to ball quick at me, and I merely performed accordingly. It was enjoyable,” Sarfaraz stated.