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India's out-of-favour batter Sarfaraz Khan is getting much-needed game time ahead of Duleep Trophy 2025 by playing in Mumbai’s Kanga League. Representing Parkophone Cricketers against Islam Gymkhana, he hit four sixes and as many fours in his 42-ball 61. Sarfaraz recalled one of the stories from his father Naushad Khan about how legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar played in the Kanga League despite barely any rest after England tour.
“During my childhood, I heard a lot of stories from my father [coach Naushad Khan] about how Sunil Gavaskar sir once turned up for a Kanga League match despite returning from England the same morning,” Sarfaraz is quoted as saying by Mid-Day.
“So, [his younger brother] Musheer and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening [Saturday], we were hoping it wouldn’t rain today. It rained a bit this morning, but when I reached Islam Gymkhana, the weather was good. I played my last Kanga League match three years ago. I was going through the league fixture book before this game and saw my name in it for scoring a century in 2018 and it felt nice.”
Sarfaraz’s ‘legends’ message to Mumbai youngsters
Sarfaraz wants young Mumbai players to not skip the Kanga League that started a year after India became independent. He does not want players to refrain from playing in the tournament due to fear of failure and gave examples of legendary cricketers Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar.
“All Mumbai players should play [Kanga League]. Some players feel that if they fail here, it’ll be bad for their future. But if Gavaskar sir and Sachin Tendulkar sir thought the same way, they might not have gone on to become legends. If big players play in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the city’s youngsters. Kanga League is such a tournament that if you succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world,” said Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz’s chance to stage comeback
Sarfaraz will be seen in action in Duleep Trophy 2025 semifinal for West Zone. The clash will start on September 4. This will be a chance for Sarfaraz to prove his mettle and put his name forward ahead of the two-Test series at home against West Indies.
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