‘Dreams don’t come true that quickly’ - Sarfaraz hopeful of comeback in India’s white-ball selection after fiery VHT ton

Sarfaraz Khan produced a match-defining performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, guiding Mumbai to a commanding victory with a breathtaking century. The right-hander hammered 157 runs off just 75 balls against Goa, helping Mumbai register an emphatic 87-run win and strengthen their position at the top of Elite Group C. Sarfaraz credited the openers for handling the early swing effectively, which allowed him to play freely.

Batting alongside his younger brother Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz also played a mentoring role while building a solid partnership. Musheer contributed a valuable 60, laying a strong foundation for the innings. Sarfaraz later admitted he was disappointed that his brother missed out on a well-deserved century, as he had hoped both of them would reach three figures in the same match.

"By the time I came to the crease, Musheer was batting really well. He was the first to reach fifty. I've played plenty of one-dayers and I know how to pace an innings. I have a good sweep and cut, and in this format you can't have more than five fielders out. That gives me freedom to play my shots," Sarfaraz said to Times of India.

"We were close in the Ranji Trophy this season and again last week, but we both got out in the fifties. Today, Musheer was batting so well, and I thought we could do it. But dreams don't come true that quickly,” he added.

Sarfaraz has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket but has repeatedly been overlooked for India’s limited-overs teams. While he has featured in Test cricket, questions continue to be raised over his exclusion from ODIs and T20Is. His recent century against Goa has further strengthened his case ahead of the selection for the upcoming New Zealand ODI series.

According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce Team India’s 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on Saturday, January 3. The series will begin in Vadodara on January 11, followed by the second ODI in Rajkot on January 14. The third and final match is scheduled to be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18.