Cricket News: Sarfaraz Khan, IPL sensation is second to Don Bradman in First Class Cricket

His consistency in Ranji cricket has increased his hopes of playing for the national team, which justifies his relentless efforts throughout the years. Things haven't been quite good for Sarfaraz for many years, but his perseverance has turned all the tables for him, and the national team seems pretty possible for the youngster. 

Just below the legendary Don Bradman!

The right-handed batter became a hot topic everywhere as he registered the second-highest batting average in first-class cricket, only behind the legendary Australian cricketer Don Bradman. Sarfaraz Khan has a massive average of 82.83 in first-class cricket, which is higher than any other batter except Don Bradman, who has an average of 95.14. Sarfaraz has played 25 first-class matches in which he has scored 2485 runs along with eight centuries and seven fifties! Also, Sarfaraz has become the third player to score 900 plus runs in multiple Ranji Trophy seasons. He achieved this feat in the 2021-22 and 2022 seasons. Along with many records, he is also the third batter with the highest average in Ranji cricket, only behind Vijay Merchant and Sachin Tendulkar. 

A player with a perfect technique 

With an exquisite blitz in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has joined various elite lists alongside many great cricketers. Sarfaraz's extraordinary batting skills and abilities make this young cricketer different from everyone else. While many batters struggle against spinners, Sarfaraz Khan has an outstanding average against spin bowling. In the current Ranji season, Sarfaraz scored 519 runs against spinners while getting dismissed thrice, whereas he scored 418 runs against pacers. His average also seems quite impressive against spinners which are 173. These stats clearly explain his brilliancy against spinners which gives him a great advantage keeping him ahead of many others! Sarfaraz bats in the middle, which is even more impressive as most of his competitors are top-order batters! Sarfaraz's batting technique is steady, but he attacks as well, and the level of concentration he shows is astonishing. 

Sarfaraz in blues?

Sarfaraz seems the perfect cricketer from the perspective of a test cricketer for the national team. As the youngster has been lighting the fire in first-class cricket, many fans are hoping for him to be the future of India's test cricket and all formats. Sarfaraz Khan can boost India's batting line-up. His raw talent can flourish if the youngster is given the opportunity at other levels. His stats are enough to catch the eyes of the national selectors and can lead him to Blues! 

Fitness: a concern for Sarfaraz?

Although Sarfaraz's astonishing stats and recent performance are enough to appeal to anyone, his fitness issues are a big concern for the youngster. The Indian team management is reputed for its strict fitness criteria, which should be up to the mark for any player to be in the team. Sarfaraz's fitness has always been doubted, which can also become a big concern for his selections. However, the raging youngster seems reasonably determined toward his fitness as he has been working relentlessly on his fitness. As the selectors have raised concerns about Sarfaraz's fitness, the youngster has an excellent opportunity to prove his potential. India's fitness criteria for the players are pretty strict for anyone, and it will be challenging for Sarfaraz to make his way into the national team. 

Although numerous factors are with and against him, it will be pretty exciting to see if his recent performance has appealed to the national selectors. Years of effort and faith are now turning fruitful for the young cricketer, and he surely deserves to flourish on further levels. We can hope for many more exciting innings from Sarfaraz in future, as this young blood can take India's cricket to the next level!