Batsman Sarfaraz Khan justified a return to Mumbai with a triple-century in the Ranji Trophy this week.
Khan hit 301 not out against Uttar Pradesh at the Wankhede Stadium. His stay spanned 391 deliveries – and featured 30 fours and eight sixes.
The 22-year-old had played for Uttar Pradesh before returning to Mumbai relatively recently. He will represent the Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League later this year.
What Sarfaraz Khan said
“I was just delighted and would like to thank MCA for giving me another chance. The century was due for a long time. I am glad I scored my first century for Mumbai,” Sarfaraz told Mid-day.
“It was daddy's [coach Naushad Khan] decision [to play for UP]. I still remember when I was leaving for UP and packing my Mumbai Ranji team's clothing, I was literally crying because of my love for Mumbai. I never thought I would play for Mumbai again. I still can't believe I came back and played for Mumbai. It's like a dream.”
The young right-hander arrived at the crease ahead of wicketkeeper-batsman Aditya Tare in the batting order. He and Tare later shared a century partnership.
“Actually I wasn't going to come out to bat Tare was going to come in my place. I was having fever and cough, I wasn't well for the last two or three days. Tuesday, I was okay okay, but the fever returned during the lunch break. But I felt I should go out to bat, I felt I was the kind of player who could change the game if I remained in the middle,” added Khan.
The 32-year-old Tare, who eventually fell for 97, praised Khan's maturity en route to a second first-class century. It was not enough to earn victory, though. The fixture was drawn.
“He has a better head on his shoulders now than when he last played for us. He was young, used to play a lot more shots then. He has matured a bit now. He is more selective, but still with the range of shots he has, he can win matches for us,” added Tare.
