'If not for him, I wouldn't have been here' - Sarfaraz Khan gives credit to his father after a successful season

Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan had a flawless Ranji Trophy 2021-22 season with the bat as he scored a staggering 982 runs in nine innings and helpd his team reach the final. After winning a well-deserved Player-of-the-Series award  following the final, the Mumbai batter gave credit to his father. Notably, Madhya Pradesh beat Mumbai by six wickets in the final clash on June 26, Sunday, in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.

Crediting his father for his success, Sarfaraz shared that he used to travel with his father in trains when they had nothing, and expressed that he would not be where he is if not for his father. He also said that scoring a century for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy final was something he dreamt of when he started playing cricket. Sarfaraz scored 134 runs in the first innings and brought up his fourth century of the season.

“Credit to my father who is standing there. I am just trying my best to stay at the wicket, and score runs. I try to play as many matches as possible and stay on the ground and prepare in the same way. You all know the roller-coaster ride I’ve had. If not for my father, I wouldn’t have been here,” said Sarfaraz after receiving the Player-of-the-Series award in the presentation ceremony.

You all know the roller-coaster ride I’ve had: Sarfaraz Khan 

“When we had nothing, I used to travel with my father in trains. When I started playing cricket, I dreamt of scoring a century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. That was fulfilled. Then I had another dream of scoring a hundred in a Ranji final when my team needed it the most. That is why I got emotional after my century and had tears in my eyes, because my father has worked very hard,” added the Mumbai batter.

Mumbai, despite Sarfaraz’s heroics in the final, came well short of a victory as they were put to the sword by Madhya Pradesh batters after the first innings, trailing by a huge margin of 162. Mumbai, came out charging in the second innings, with less than two days remaining but could only put 269 on board. Madhya Pradesh, needing only 108 to win, chased it down in 29.5 overs to get their hands on the trophy for the first time.