Mumbai batter Musheer Khan, who recently encountered a horrific road accident in Uttar Pradesh, has spoken out for the first time since the incident, thanking everyone who wished him well.
The 19-year-old was travelling with from his hometown Azamgarh to Lucknow for the Irani Cup tie when the mishap took place. He sustained a neck fracture in the accident.
Musheer was accompanied by his father Naushad Khan when their car collided with a divider and flipped several times. Fortunately, both survived but Musheer’s injury will keep him out of action for a few months, which means he will miss the Irani Cup and initial rounds of the Ranji Trophy.
"First of all, I’d like to thank Allah for this second chance at life. I’m doing fine now, and so is my dad," Musheer said in an Instagram video, where he was seen sporting a neck brace. "I really appreciate everyone’s prayers and well wishes."
Musheer, the younger sibling of India batter Sarafaraz Khan, will fly to Mumbai for further assessment once he’s discharged from Medanta hospital in Lucknow.
Earlier this year, Musheer Khan demonstrated his exceptional batting talent by hitting a double hundred in the Ranji quarter-final, followed by a century in the final. His brilliant run of form continued as he slammed an impressive 181 on Duleep Trophy debut for India B against India A at Bengaluru.
The teenager, who is the younger brother of India batter Sarfaraz Khan, was set to be picked for India A's shadow tour of Australia this winter. However, it's now very much doubtful as it remains to be seen how long his recovery would last.
Musheer’s father also expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support. "I want to thank the MCA and BCCI for their excellent care. They will provide updates on what’s next. I believe we should be patient about what we don’t have, and grateful for what we do. That’s life," Naushad said.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is yet to announce a replacement for Musheer for the Irani Cup fixture against Rest of India, slated to be held in Lucknow from October 1-5.