The past few weeks have been a dream for Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan and his younger brother Musheer Khan.
While Sarfaraz earned his maiden India call-up and slammed twin half-centuries on Test debut against England in Rajkot, Musheer impressed one and all with his stunning exploits in the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup 2024, where India finished as runners-up.
The 18-year-old finished the showpiece tournament as the second highest run-getter with 360 runs from seven innings, including two hundreds and one half-century.
After his brilliance in the Youth World Cup, Musheer Khan has made a smooth transition to first-class cricket. The right-hander slammed a maiden first-class century on Day 1 of Mumbai’s ongoing Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Baroda.
“Acha time chal raha hai, dunno bhai ka time chal raha hai (The fortunes of both brothers have changed). I don’t want to think too much,” Musheer said at the end of the first day’s play at the BKC ground, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Musheer also opened up on a valuable piece of advice that Sarfaraz gave him after he returned home from the U-19 World Cup in South Africa.
“Bhai just said acha kiya hai ab tak par real cricket ab shuru hone wala hai. Taiyaar hona uske liye. (You have played well till now but the real cricket begins now. Be ready for it.) Just stay at the wicket and runs will come,” Musheer revealed.
Musheer delivered for Mumbai when the team needed a big innings after losing Prithvi Shaw, Bhupen Lalwani and skipper Ajinnkya Rahane in the first session on Friday (February 23). He finished the opening day on 128*, taking Mumbai to 248/5 at stumps.
“Rather than going for the shots it was important to find the singles and doubles and look to bat for 90 overs. I try to spend as much time as I can at the wicket,” Musheer remarked.
On Day 2 of the Ranji quarter-final against Baroda, Musheer Khan, playing only his fourth first-class match, brought up his maiden double hundred in first-class cricket.
In fact, he remained unbeaten on 203 as Mumbai’s first innings folded for 384. His 357-ball knock was studded with 18 boundaries.
(The Indian Express Inputs)
