"Mere liye wo Aamir Khan hain" - Sarfaraz Khan compares Rohit Sharma to Bhuvan from iconic Bollywood movie Lagaan
Team India batter Sarfaraz Khan has compared Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma to Bhuvan - the legendary character played by Aamir Khan in the blockbuster Bollywood movie Lagaan. According to Sarfaraz, Rohit's manner of handling a team is similar to that of Bhuvan from Lagaan.
After a long and, sometimes frustrating, wait, Sarfaraz made his Test debut under Rohit's captain during the home series against England in February this year. The right-handed batter made an impactful start to his Test career, scoring 200 runs in five innings at an average of 50, with three half-centuries.
The 26-year-old has been named in India's squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, which begins in Chennai on September 19. Speaking to JioCinema in the build-up to the contest, Sarfaraz lavishly praised Rohit and his leadership, also comparing him to a legendary Bollywood character. The Mumbai batter said (as quoted by News 18):
“Mai sahi bata raha hoon, meri favourite movie hai lagaan aur jo Aamir Khan ne jaise usme team banaya hai, waise jub mai Rohit bhai ko dekha toh, mere liye wo Aamir Khan hain. Family jaisa feel hota hai unke saath.” (Lagaan is my favourite movie. In that, the way Aamir Khan assembles his team, Rohit bhai reminds me of that. For me he’s Lagaan’s Aamir Khan. It feels like he’s part of your family).
The 26-year-old also described Rohit as an elder brother and commented that the latter makes everyone comfortable around him even if they are juniors.
"He’s very different, makes you comfortable and is like an elder brother to us. I enjoy playing with him. He never treats you like a junior. He’s a positive guy. The way he speaks, it boosts your confidence," Sarfaraz explained.
While the right-handed batter is part of India's squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, he is also representing India B in the Duleep Trophy. Sarfaraz was out for 16 in the first innings against India C.
Looking back at Sarfaraz Khan's memorable Test debut
Sarfaraz made his Test debut at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot in the third match of the five-game series against England. He contributed 62 off 66 in the first innings, but his knock ended as he was run out following a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja.
The right-hander followed it up with an unbeaten 68 off 72 in the second innings. Sarfaraz struggled in the next Test in Ranchi and was dismissed for 14 and four respectively. He ended the series on a high, hitting 56 off 60 in Dharamsala as India won the game by an innings and 64 runs.