 "'If Gavaskar sir and Sachin sir...': Sarfaraz Khan makes big statement amid India comeback bid")
Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan , who is struggling to find a place in the national team despite proving himself on the biggest of stages, has made a powerful statement. Speaking to Mid-Day after an appearance in Mumbai’s famous Kanga League, Sarfaraz urged all cricketers from the city to take part in the tournament, giving examples of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar.
Sarfaraz urges Mumbai cricketers to play local league
Playing for Parkophone Cricketers, Sarfaraz smashed 61 runs from 42 balls against Islam Gymkhana on Sunday, August 10. After the match, the 27-year-old said that every Mumbai cricketer should play in Kanga League even if they are afraid of failing at a smaller stage. He said that Tendulkar and Gavaskar never worried about it, and if they had thought the same way, they would never have become such great players.
“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. So, Musheer [younger brother] and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening [Saturday], we were hoping it won’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 told Mid-Day.
“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,” he added.
Sarfaraz was in the news recently for his impressive body transformation, losing more than 17 kgs by following strict training and diet plans. He is currently eyeing a return to the national side. He was among the candidates who were considered for selection during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but missed out on a spot due to tough competition and lack of experience in England.
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