Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan Biography

Sarfaraz Khan first came to national attention when, all of 12, he broke a 45-year old Harris Shield record by slamming 439 off 421 balls. Though he was dropped three times during the knock (on 25, 253, and 302), the sheer stamina, power of concentration, and hunger for runs was evident early.

Representing India in Under-19 World Cup 2014 aged 16, he emerged as one of India's best batsmen in the tournament, scoring 74 against Pakistan, 45 not out against Scotland, 34 not out against PNG, and 52 not out against England. He often batted at No. 6 and rescuing India when older and more established players failed. Sarfaraz played a big part in India's 2016 Under-19 World Cup campaign as well. Also a handy leg-spinner and safe fielder, Sarfaraz is the perfect package.

Perhaps the one major complaint against Sarfaraz is his temperament. He was once dismissed from an
MCA camp on ‘disciplinary grounds’, and reports of his feisty nature have come up again since. That is not to say that Sarfaraz is not popular though; picked for RCB during IPL 2015, Sarfaraz quickly became the darling of the team. Nicknamed ‘Panda’ for his love of food, it was evident that even the big stars like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle had a fondness for Sarfaraz.

It did not hurt that he gave a display of his obvious talent early in the tournament with an unbeaten 21-ball 45 against a Rajasthan Royals attack comprising Tim Southee, Dhawal Kulkarni, James Faulkner, Shane Watson, Pravin Tambe, and Stuart Binny.

One feels if Sarfaraz can manage to overcome his own demons, Indian cricket will be served well by a young cricketer of immense potential.

Shiamak Unwalla