Kings XI Punjab's (KXIP) young middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan is hoping to live up to the expectations and justify the vote of confidence shown by the team's think-tank, including skipper KL Rahul, head coach Anil Kumble among other big names, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.
Apart from Indian spin legend Kumble, KXIP's star-studded coaching staff also boasts of former Zimbabwe batsman Andy Flower (assistant coach), ex South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) and former India Test opener Wasim Jaffer (batting coach).
Read Also: "We're a bit muddled at the moment", Fleming admits CSK's struggles
Sarfaraz has newly-appointed captain Rahul for support as well. Rahul was there with him also during their years with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) together.
The 22-year-old right-hand batsman said he hopes to repay their trust through consistent performances this year.
"We have the best support staff in the tournament. All of them are legends of the game. I am just trying to pick their brains. Every day is a learning curve for me," Sarfaraz told TOI from Dubai.
He has especially enjoyed working with Rhodes, whose training techniques he has taken much liking to. "I have learned so much from him in the past weeks. His techniques are so unique. He made the sessions so exciting and fun. I have improved a lot as a fielder under his watchful eyes."
On Rahul's influence, Sarfaraz says, "I know KL (Rahul) bhai since RCB days. He is always involved with the team. Even in the nets, if he notices something, he will come to you and tell you upfront."
Sarfaraz is relishing the role-clarity that KXIP management has provided him since joining the set-up in 2019.
"I can bat according to the situation, and play anywhere in the middle order. Last year I batted at No 3 to 7. This time around, I am given the finisher's role, and hopefully, I will be able to do justice with the confidence coach and captain have shown in me," he said.
Despite his obvious talent and ability, Sarfaraz's career hasn't been short of the difficult periods. There have been question marks faced on his fitness levels, injuries suffered as bad as ACL in 2017, in between which there has been a controversial shift and return from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh and back.
The talented batsman seemed to finally find his peace last winter where he piled on a mountain of runs in the Ranji Trophy after being made to serve a one-year cooling-off period on his return to the city of dreams.
"During the cooling-off time, I did a lot of introspection," he said. "I worked on my fitness a lot, and I ensured that I would grab whatever opportunities come to me. I was not picked for the first couple of Ranji matches, but I knew that I would get my chances deep down."
"In my comeback match against Karnataka I scored an unbeaten half century (71 not out) in the second innings. That knock gave me the confidence that yes, I belong here. There was a resurgence of self-belief in me."
With big runs in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz has gained in confidence on his game and says he is optimistic he won't be left pigeonholed as a white-ball specialist.
"I don't want to be known as a white-ball specialist. I want to thrive in all formats of the game," he said. "My father (Naushad Khan) had invested so much in me, and I can't just let it go. It's not redemption for me, and I don't want to prove anyone right or wrong. I want to excel in the game that I love."
