"This one is for him" - Sarfaraz Khan dedicates Irani Cup double hundred to his brother Musheer
Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has dedicated his double hundred in the Irani Cup against Rest of India (ROI) to younger brother Musheer, who missed the match due to a road accident towards the end of last month. Musheer suffered a neck fracture due to the accident and could be out of action for three months.
The 2024 Irani Cup match between Mumbai and the Rest of India ended in a draw on Saturday, October 5, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Mumbai, however, were declared the winners based on the first-innings lead. While Mumbai scored 537 in their first innings, the Rest of India replied with 416 in 110 overs.
Sarfaraz was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 222 off 286 balls in the first innings, a knock which featured 25 fours and four sixes. While accepting the award, the right-handed batter dedicated the double ton to his brother Musheer. Sarfaraz said (as quoted by India Today):
"This trophy is the team's, but I promised at home that I would make a hundred for Musheer. This one is for him."
Musheer and his father Naushad met with a road accident on the outskirts of Lucknow on September 28. The youngster was travelling to Lucknow for the Irani Cup from his hometown Azamgarh. As per reports, their car hit a divider and overturned on the Purvanchal Expressway. While Musheer suffered a neck fracture, his father got away with minor scratches.
About his brilliant knock, Sarfaraz said he was trying to keep things simple and follow the process. The 26-year-old commented:
"I try to follow the process and whatever I have done with my Abbu. If you travel all around India, you are used to how the wickets play. One has to work all around at their game, look at how the seniors are doing, and work on their weaknesses."
While he scored a double hundred in the first innings, the right-handed batter was dismissed for 17 in the second innings, trapped lbw by Saransh Jain.
Not just Sarfaraz Khan, these players also excelled in the Irani Cup
While Sarfaraz walked away with the Player of the Match for his fantastic double ton in the Irani Cup, there were several other memorable performances by players from both sides.
Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane scored 97 in the first innings. All-rounder Tanush Kotian scored a hundred and a fifty apart from picking up three wickets. Opener Prithvi Shaw smacked a quick-fire 76 in the second innings.
For the Rest of India, Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 191, while keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel hit 93. On the bowling front, Saransh Jain picked up 6-121 in the second innings.