Published: Feb 16, 2016, 03:16 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 16, 2016, 07:23 PM (IST)
Though India lost against West Indies in ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2016, the young Indian boy who stood out for his innings was Sarfaraz Khan who scored 51 from 89 balls. When he came back from his tournament, the Mumbai boy received with hugs and and greetings from every person in Taximen Colony at Bandra-Kurla Complex. He was surrounded by guests and was asked to pose for camera phones. Local politicians also appreciated the young boy’s efforts. The young boy looked confident and no glimpse of disappointment on his face of coming second in the tournament. FULL SCORECARD: ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2016, India vs West Indies at Dhaka
Everyone had one thought in mind of what will be his next step and what he has planned for the coming months. While speaking to dna, Sarfaraz said, “That is past. There is definitely a little disappointment. Despite doing well till the semi-finals, we lost the final. But it is cricket. Some win, some lose. Our focus was to win the World Cup. We had worked for three months but Rahul Dravid Sir had said whatever happens, learning from it is important. There was a batting collapse, we did not play well.”
He further added, ” My aim is to think forward and focus is on the DY Patil Twenty20 (T20) Academy and then the Indian Premier League (IPL). I am thinking how I have to do well and realise my parents dream.” Sarfaraz is happy he played for the team’s cause after scoring five half-centuries for his side that led them to finals. He said, “I am happy that my team played well. I though I could not convert them into centuries. I even told Rahul Sir but he said that I did well for the team and won them the games which is important. The I realised, if this is helping my team win then fine.” READ: Indian U-19 cricket team confident of good show in World Cup, under Rahul Dravid: Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz played at average of 71 to be the second highest batsman in the tournament, but unfortunately got leg out before wicket in the final just before 12 overs in the finals and when he was well settled to play. Sarfaraz admitted saying, “That was my natural shot. I had no option but to go for it. We had only two wickets left and I had to go for it as I thought another 20-25 runs would have helped. Then I thought I should not have played that shot.” He learnt a lot being with Dravid and mentioned, “Before this Cup, I used to play only attacking game. I looked to score more runs off less balls. But having been with Rahul Sir, I realised how important it was to stay at the wicket. He told me curb my instincts and be cool. I learnt a few things like how to stay calm and cool apart from taking every game as a lesson. Whatever you are on field will reflect on field,” READ: ICC U-19 World Cup: Experience in domestic cricket and IPL will help me, says Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz also admitted heart-to-heart sessions with Dravid made him realise his game with red ball, he said, “I was criticised for not being good in red ball but Rahul Sir told me it was not like that. I have got technique and shots to play swing and spin with red ball. That, coming from a Test legend, has given me immense confidence.” The 18-year-old feels it is time to face big fishes now, he said, “I am excited about IPL. Time has come to swim in the sea from pond. I have to fight with the big players and I have all the confidence. I believe I have prayers of many with me and I am confident to do well in the future.” Sarfaraz added with confidence, “I am more nervous off the field and more confident on it.”
