Sports · Cricket · 10 hrs ago
Sarfaraz Khan says his father keeps him motivated after India snubs
Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan says repeated omissions from India squads have left him questioning his daily training grind.
The 29-year-old last played for India in November 2024 and has since been included in a Test squad without playing, then left out of India A’s New Zealand tour.
His father Naushad’s hard work keeps him motivated to continue practising and scoring runs.
Sarfaraz says he has heard he may be considered mainly for home conditions, but points to centuries he made in intra-squad games in South Africa and England.
He has scored 5,354 runs in 66 first-class matches, including 18 centuries.
He recently lost 22kg and says he is working to stay fit and ready for another chance.
Sarfaraz scored 55 for Mumbai against Railways on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy match, and says he will keep playing wherever he gets an opportunity.
Sarfaraz Khan says his father’s hard work motivates him to keep playing cricket despite repeated omissions from India’s plans.
The Mumbai batter said he sometimes questions the effort required to train, including getting up at 5am.
He questioned the view that he should be considered mainly for matches in Indian conditions, citing centuries in intra-squad games in South Africa and England.
Sarfaraz scored 55 for Mumbai against Railways on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy match.
He has lost 22kg and says he remains focused on scoring runs and being ready for another India call-up.
- Who
- Sarfaraz Khan, a Mumbai batter, spoke about his motivation and repeated omissions from India’s plans.
- What
- He said his father’s hard work motivates him to keep playing and questioned the suggestion that he is better suited to Indian conditions.
- When
- Monday, November 2, 2026.
- Where
- At the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, after Sarfaraz scored 55 for Mumbai against Railways.
- Why
- He said repeated omissions sometimes make him question his daily effort, but his father’s hard work motivates him.
India selectors
Sarfaraz Khan
Selection outlook
India selectors
Sarfaraz said he had heard he was being considered more for Indian conditions.
Sarfaraz Khan
He questioned that approach, citing runs he scored in intra-squad games in South Africa and England.
Overseas suitability
India selectors
Reports say selectors have doubts about his ability in SENA conditions.
Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz said he has scored runs outside India and that his job is to play cricket.
Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England.
He scored 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, his highest Test score.
Sarfaraz last appeared for India, against New Zealand in Mumbai.
He was named as Sai Sudharsan’s replacement in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka tour but did not play.
Sarfaraz scored 55 for Mumbai against Railways and spoke about his motivation and selection prospects.
- India Test appearances
- 6
- Test record
- 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three fifties
- First-class record
- 5,354 runs in 66 matches at an average of 63.73, including 18 centuries
- Weight loss
- 22kg; from 97kg to 77kg
- Mumbai innings
- 55 against Railways on November 2, 2026
4 sources
What people are saying
But when I see my father working hard for me, I want to score runs for him now. This is the only thing that motivates me.
I just want to play cricket.
My job is to play cricket.
Everyone knows if you want to find Sarfaraz Khan, don’t go to his home address, but at the Azad or Cross maidan at 6am