After scoring 150 against New Zealand in the first Test, Sarfaraz says, ‘I only focus on the things under my control.’

Sarfaraz Khan plays a shot on the fourth day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 19, 2024. Photo courtesy: K. Murali Kumar

Sarfaraz Khan saw the opportunity and ran. included in the eleven against new zealand First test in Bengaluru Sarfaraz had to face pressure to perform well in place of injured Shubman Gill.

When he batted in the second innings on Thursday, being out on zero was a thing of the past. In an innings that will be remembered for years to come, Sarfaraz sent the opposition into panic by scoring a brilliant 150. Now the question arises – how to accommodate the in-form Mumbaikar in the XI when Gill is back in action?

Sarfaraz can solve this puzzle the only way he knows how – scoring mountains of runs on both the international and domestic circuits.

When asked how he stays motivated when he is away from the team, Sarfaraz replied, “I just keep following the same process. I have been scoring runs for the last four-five years. I just focus on the things that are under my control and perform well in practice.”

funny scene

The 26-year-old got into a tangle with Rishabh Pant early in their partnership when Pant escaped an easy run out chance. Sarfaraz was seen jumping up and down animatedly to get Pant’s attention and then to attract the other’s attention – it was quite a comical sight.

“Rishabh suffered a knee injury a few days ago. Therefore it was discussed that we need to proceed carefully. After playing the late cut, I asked for two (runs).

“But I soon realized that he had injured his knee and would not be able to run fast. So, I immediately said ‘no’ and raised my hand after the first run, but Pant kept running towards me without looking at me,” Sarfaraz said.

Sarfaraz used the late and upper cut very effectively – a shot he practices at his home in Mumbai.

“I like to play high balls. I have a bouncy wicket at home. I play there regularly and because of the bounce I am able to cut the ball easily. They (Kiwis) were trying to bowl short balls at me and I played accordingly. It was fun,” Sarfaraz said.