Sarfaraz Khan sent a strong message to selectors on Monday, launching Mumbai’s domestic season with a dominant century in the opening match of the All India Buchi Babu tournament. His commanding 138 retired hurt off just 114 balls powered Mumbai to 367 for five against TNCA XI at the Gojan College ground.
Dropped from India’s recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy squad against England, the 27-year-old right-hander seemed determined to reignite his international aspirations. Walking in with Mumbai struggling at 98 for three, Sarfaraz played a counter-attacking innings that dismantled an inexperienced TNCA bowling attack.
Having recently undergone a major fitness transformation, shedding over 10 kilograms, Sarfaraz looked sharper and more agile, combining power with intent. His aggressive knock featured 10 boundaries and six sixes, and came with smart running between the wickets, including seven doubles and two threes.
Despite an early life—dropped on 15 by M. Shahrukh Khan at slip off M. Siddharth—Sarfaraz capitalized immediately. He attacked the left-arm spinner with precision, employing the sweep shot to regularly pierce the field, including two sixes over square leg.
Once past his half-century, which came off a flick through midwicket against pacer Prem Kumar, Sarfaraz accelerated. His milestone moment—a boundary ramped over the slips off Lokesh Raj—underscored his improvisational flair.
Even as he began to cramp late in the innings, Sarfaraz remained undeterred. He smashed Lokesh for back-to-back sixes down the ground before retiring hurt, leaving the field to a rousing ovation and with Mumbai firmly in control.
The innings marks a critical start to what could be a career-defining domestic season for Sarfaraz. After finally making his Test debut last year, he found himself on the outside once again, prompting questions about his long-term role in India’s middle order. Monday’s knock, aggressive and authoritative, was a clear statement of intent.
Mumbai will look to build on the momentum provided by their star batter as they aim for early dominance in the Buchi Babu tournament. For Sarfaraz, however, the goal is clear: consistent runs, high-impact performances, and a return to India’s Test squad. On Monday, he took a giant step in that direction.
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