Sarfaraz Khan, the Mumbai batter and one of India's most prolific run-scorers in the domestic circuit, has once again expressed his hunger and determination for a comeback to the national side.
The batter from Mumbai was recently omitted from India's squad that toured England for a five-match Test series.
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Khan has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket, especially in the red-ball format. He has now drawn inspiration from two of India's greatest ever batters - Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar.
Sarfaraz Khan vows to follow Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar for India recall
After his exclusion from the England series, Khan refrained from taking a long break from cricket as he went on to play domestic cricket. The Mumbai batter is representing Parkophone Cricketers in Mumbai's Kanga League.
Sarfaraz remarked that all the Mumbai players must play the Kanga League, as it allows them to get good preparation going ahead. Kanga League, which was inaugurated in 1948, takes place during the rainy months of July-September, wherein the overcast and moist conditions are prevalent in Mumbai, which makes it difficult for the batters to score runs.
"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," said Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz was a part of India's Test squad that traveled to Australia for five Tests. The batter last featured in home Tests against New Zealand, post which he was dropped from the XI and later from the squad as well.
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In six Tests from India, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at a decent average of 37.10, which includes one century and three fifties. He was recently a part of the India A side, which played against England Lions, where he played a wonderful knock of 92.
Not many International players feature in the Kanga League. Sarfaraz's decision to be a part of such a tournament is a testament to his hunger to do well and once again represent his nation.
"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 the Mumbai batter as he seemed determined in his quest for a national team call-up.
With India's home Test series coming up against the West Indies, Sarfaraz would want to perform good in the upcoming domestic matches and return to the Indian side.