A prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan had a short-lived stint in international cricket. He seemed to have lost faith of selectors and the team management after the cleansweep at home against New Zealand. He did not get a chance on Australian tour barring in the pink-ball warm-up game and was later dropped from the side. Many have questioned his absence from the middle order and want a longer rope for him. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he got off to an underwhelming start. However, he ruled out any signs of frustrations for not getting a place in the India side.
“You can’t score runs in every match. I scored so many runs in the last four seasons. Sometimes, you go through a period when you lose your wicket despite playing well. Everyone in our team is scoring runs, taking wickets, and doing well. The important thing is that we’ve to win the Ranji Trophy,” Sarfaraz Khan told the reporters at the Wankhede Stadium.
“I’m not frustrated at all. If you see my record, I’ve scored lots of runs. People enjoy a 1000-run season once in four years...in the last four-five years maine daba ke runs banaye hain,” he said. It’s just that I haven’t scored too many runs in two-three matches. That doesn’t make a difference.”
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Is there a need for Sarfaraz to make technical changes?
In the ongoing Ranji season, Sarfaraz has scored 111 runs from six innings at an average of 22.22. He is yet to score a fifty in the current season. But, Sarfaraz does not feel that his technique needs any changes.
“I don’t think that I need to change anything, because I’m doing good. I’m just trying to do what I’ve always done - practice hard,” he added.
Sarfaraz lauds Shardul’s leadership
Sarfaraz talked about the dressing room environment under the leadership of Shardul Thakur who replaced Ajinkya Rahane as captain this season.
“We’ve a very good captain. Shardul bhai is doing a great job. I’m very happy that Mumbai got a captain like Shardul, who is selfless and keeps the team before himself...He prioritises the Mumbai team over his personal goals....I’ve noticed that difference in him. He prioritises Mumbai cricket over himself.”
“At the back of your mind, you want to take more opportunities, do well, and play at a higher level. However, Shardul doesn’t think like that. The Mumbai team comes first for him,” Sarfaraz said.
Mumbai's last clash before the white-ball cricket break is against Puducherry at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC. Currently, they are leading the Elite Group D with two wins from four games and two draws. Sarfaraz will be looking to get back in form before the white-ball break.