Story of the Pocket Dynamite - Sarfaraz Khan

Story of the Pocket Dynamite – Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Naushad Khan, a 18-year-old boy has been in the limelight. Sarfaraz is a young budding talent, who plays Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, U-19 Cricket for India and also represents RCB in IPL. This marvellous boy is not ordinary; he’s full of potential and passion towards the game. Being picked up for playing U-19 at the age of 15 shows his love for the game and how passionately he worked for playing for India.

Sarfaraz’s father being a cricket coach, used to take him to the ground where he used to teach others the game of cricket. Sarfaraz, being very small used to sleep between the kit bags so as the ball did not hit him. But, as he grew up, Naushad Khan detected his son’s talent and passion and moulded it in professional way to make him a cricketing star. Soon, under his father’s guidance, he started practising and learning the game to its best. His father has seen Ramakant Achrekar train many young kids who went on to play cricket for the country. Naushad Khan wanted his son to play for the country and made him practice hard to achieve a place in team India. He stood strong like a pillar to support Sarfaraz and backed his abilities.

Sarfaraz came into notice for the first time when he broke the record of the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar in Harris Shield. He broke the record for highest runs by any individual and scored 439 runs for Rizvi Springfield. He was chosen to play for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. Ranji Trophy holds a very important place in any cricketer’s life as it can open the doors to play for team India. He has scored 95 runs in the 3 first class matches he has played with an average of 31.6. He ensured a place in Mumbai’s U-19 team and was later picked by the U-19 team when he was just 15 years old. This was another feather in his cap. This year, the Royal Challengers Bangalore picked him up for 50 lakhs and he became the youngest player to play in IPL. He is among the emerging players list as well.

He has cemented his place in the U-19 Team by making 101 runs in 66 balls against South Africa and pacing India ahead in the tournament. He followed this innings again in the finals by scoring 67 runs and taking 2 wickets for 9 runs. He played a gem of a knock against the arch rivals Pakistan and made 74 runs. To add cherry on the cake, he took 4 catches and a wicket and played an all-rounder inning. He is a clean hitter of the ball and scores runs quickly. IPL has given his a platform to show his talent and he has scored 79 runs in 5 matches. He had stunned everyone by his 45* agaisnt Rajasthan Royals and hit Pravin Tambe and James Faulkner with no mercy all over the park.

Young Sarfaraz said that he would like to impress the national selectors through his performances in IPL. “Sanju Samson, Kuldip Singh, Sandeep Singh have all done well after playing well in the IPL. I also want to use this platform to be selected for the Indian Team,” he said. “I will to also in the team for the forthcoming Under-19 World Cup” When playing with legends like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Mitchell Starc he doesn’t feel nervous to hit the ball straight out of the stadium. He says, “AB always gives me all the tips. When I’m nervous he comes over and talks to Me., “He also tries to play the sweep shot just like ABD. Who wouldn’t like to learn with the legend by his side teaching him how to trash the bowling attack?

He is a young cricketer and needs to focus on the game and continue to perform consistently to become a player who will be on the top of the world. He must direct all his energy to practice hard and ensure his place in the team. By looking at the way he is performing, it is quite sure that he will make his father proud and achieve all his dreams.