Sarfaraz Khan played a masterful innings, guiding Mumbai to a commanding total in the first innings of the Irani Cup match.
Sarfaraz Khan (Picture Courtesy: PTI)
Sarfaraz Khan delivered a stellar performance in the Irani Cup, helping Mumbai set a formidable total in their first innings. The talented batter continued his outstanding form in the domestic circuit, smashing a crucial century on Day 2 of the Irani Cup at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Batting at number five, Sarfaraz joined the elite ranks of Indian cricket legends. His century not only powered Mumbai forward but also placed him alongside icons Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, both of whom boast two centuries in the prestigious tournament. The achievement further cements Sarfaraz’s status in Indian cricket’s first-class scene.
Several other greats, such as Shikhar Dhawan, Polly Umrigar, and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, also hold two centuries in the Irani Cup. Dilip Vengsarkar and Gundappa Viswanath share the record for the most centuries in the tournament (4), while Sunil Gavaskar, Hanuma Vihari, Abhinav Mukund, and Wasim Jaffer have registered three centuries each.
In a crucial fifth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz contributed to a 131-run stand that stabilized Mumbai’s innings after early setbacks. Rahane narrowly missed a century, falling at 97, but Sarfaraz went on to notch his 15th first-class century. Remarkably, he has now scored more centuries than half-centuries (14) in domestic red-ball cricket, highlighting his consistency.
Sarfaraz Released from India Test Squad Amid Strong Domestic Form
Just days after being released from the India Test squad during the Bangladesh series, Sarfaraz reminded selectors of his value. He, along with Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal, was released from the national side on Day 4 of the second Test. Though Sarfaraz didn’t feature in either match, he made regular appearances as a substitute fielder.
Sarfaraz made his international debut earlier this year against England, starting strong. However, with KL Rahul’s return to the playing XI, he lost his spot at number six. Despite this setback, Sarfaraz is expected to make a return to the squad when India faces New Zealand in their upcoming Test series later this month.
This rewrite focuses on Sarfaraz Khan’s achievement, his form in the domestic circuit, and how it relates to his standing in India’s cricketing landscape.
