The Khan brothers of Mumbai cricket – Sarfaraz and Musheer – are currently playing in two separate parts of the world. Elder brother Sarfraz is currently locking horns in the second unofficial Test against England Lions in Ahmedabad while his younger sibling is representing India in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. But on Thursday, both brothers scored mind-blowing hundreds to put their respective oppositions in a spot of bother.
Sarfaraz hammered 161 off 160 balls on Thursday which was his maiden hundred for India A. Far away from, Musheer too notched his first-ever century in Indian colours. He scored 118 runs from 108 balls against Ireland which was laced with 9 fours and 4 sixes to help India post a challenging 301/7 in the Under-19 World Cup match at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.
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The success achieved by the Khan siblings has made the head of the family, Naushad very proud.
Speaking with The Indian Express, Naushad said, “There are 800 unseen messages on my WhatsApp. All of them are about Sarfaraz and Musheer. I will go home and reply to each one of them.”
After struggling in the opening game against Bangladesh, Musheer showed promise against Ireland with a well-made century. Naushad had a conversation with his son after India’s campaign opener at the ICC U-19 World Cup. However, the father feels that he doesn’t need to say anything to his younger boy when he is coached by some of the best in the business.
“Musheer is an opener. He has got a very calm head on his shoulders. He has got the best of both games. He can change gears as per situation and conditions,” says Naushad.
“I spoke to him after the Bangladesh match. He was in good nick but was just not able to get a big one. Now the monkey is off the back. With VVS Laxman and Hrishikesh Kanitkar around him, I don’t need to tell him anything. He is in safe hands.”
Father-cum-coach
Naushad has worked hard with his sons in the nets to make them worthy cricketers. From throwdowns to travelling cities for matches, he has been behind Sarfraz and Musheer’s journey.
“Maine pehle hi bol diya tha unko achha baap chahiye ya achha coach (I have asked both of them at a very early age whether they want a father or a good coach),” Naushad said.
“I am a very punctual guy. For me, time is money. I get up early in the morning, I sleep on time. I avoid going to family functions. I have followed this routine for years now and the only reason is that they (his sons) shouldn’t miss their practice in the morning,” he added.
Naushad also credited Mumbai Cricket for the development of both of his sons’ games.
“I have done my bit because they are my sons. But Mumbai cricket has played a bigger role in the development of their game. The khadoos cricketing culture of Mumbai has made them hungry for runs,” he said.
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