Sarfaraz credits Azhar after double ton; former captain backs him for India spot

Sarfaraz Khan grew up watching videos of Mohammad Azharuddin and, on reaching a double century (227) against Hyderabad in the Elite Group D match in Hyderabad on Friday, the Mumbai batter credited the former India captain for his brilliant effort. Azhar, however, said all the credit should go to the player.

"Sarfaraz should get all the credit - why me?" Azhar told Cricbuzz on Friday evening, hours after Sarfaraz, overnight unbeaten on 128, completed his double century. "He came to my office and had some queries. I told him a few things. It's my duty, and I explained to him how it should be done. I congratulate him on the superlative knock."

Azhar refused to dwell into what the queries were, stating that one should ask the batter. However, he felt Sarfaraz should be picked for India. "He has done well. He should be selected for the Indian team. He is not getting chances. He is an attacking batter and, unlike many others, he has not got too many opportunities. He has delivered at every level."

In the six Tests Sarfarz has played, he has one century. He has not played for India since November 2024.

Sarfaraz, 28, Mumbai's batting mainstay, revealed what he learnt from Azhar during their conversation a day before the match. "Double centuries are special. It felt good. The pitch was not so easy. The ball kept low occasionally. Only those who attack can survive and score runs on this wicket.

"I have not played much reverse swing in my career - to the point of almost nothing at all. It was good that I went to Azhar Sir the day before. I had a desire to meet him for a proper cricketing conversation. I met him in his office.

"He told me that the ball reverses early here. He explained to me how to play it and where to stand for the inswing - on the leg stump. He told me a lot of things. He even stood up and explained how to play different shots. We spent about two hours together. I had met him before too, but never like this."

Sarfaraz also revealed that he learnt a lot from watching the videos of Azhar's batting. "When I was young, my father used to show me videos of his batting. Even now, he shows me YouTube videos of Azhar on how to play the flick shots. I am a big fan of his style."

Sarfaraz also disclosed what he shouted after reaching the century (on Thursday) and the double hundred (on Friday). "I said Mumbai meri maa hai (Mumbai is my mother)."

Mumbai were in a commanding position at Stumps on Day 2 of the match, reducing the home team to 138 for 2 after posting a huge 560.