Discarded Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan, who last played for Team India in a Test match against New Zealand in 2024 in Mumbai, has revealed that he questions himself every day about why he works hard.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the first day’s play in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy game against Railways at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Sarfaraz asserted that he questions himself every morning on why he should work hard.
“So much has happened. I am not thinking much. I wake up every morning and ask myself the same question, ‘why should I work hard?’ The same routine starts at 5:00 am in the morning… I have played for India. Even with a normal routine I can play Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, because I have been scoring those 30s, 50s and the 100s,” said Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz received a call-up to the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan. However, he failed to find a place in the playing XI for either match.
Since then, he has been overlooked for both India’s tour of New Zealand and the India A squad that faced Australia A at home and against New Zealand A.
“But sometimes, the question pops up and when I see my father working hard, then I think ‘okay, I will go out there and score for him.’ Everyone knows that if you want to meet Sarfaraz Khan you don’t have to come to his home address but you can meet him either at the Azad Maidan or the Cross Maidan at 6:00am,” he added.
“I didn’t even know that I would get a call for Sri Lanka. I was at the NCA and I was called up, but I didn’t get the opportunity. I came back and I am playing cricket for Mumbai. I don’t even understand (it anymore); I am just playing. If they (national selectors) call me up I will go and play (for India). If they do not call me up, I will play here,” he concluded.
