Sarfaraz Khan Shines with Double Century in Ranji Trophy Match
On January 23, Hyderabad witnessed a remarkable performance by India batter Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a brilliant double century off just 206 balls for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. This marked the fifth first-class double hundred of his career, as he eventually got dismissed for 227 runs off 219 deliveries. His exceptional knock included 19 fours and nine sixes, showcasing his immense talent with a strike rate of 103.65. Notably, he managed to score 45 runs off India pacer and Hyderabad skipper Mohammed Siraj in just 39 balls.
One of the highlights of the match was the outstanding 249-run partnership between Sarfaraz and stand-in skipper Siddhesh Lad, who contributed with 104 runs. This partnership played a crucial role in steering Mumbai past the 500-run mark after the team had a shaky start at 82-3. Sarfaraz’s innings not only helped Mumbai take control of the match but also enabled him to surpass the milestone of 5,000 first-class runs.
Known for his recent prolific form, Sarfaraz had previously made headlines during the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a record-breaking 15-ball half-century against Punjab. This feat, being the fastest by an Indian male batter in List A cricket, showcased his exceptional talent and determination. His impressive performance continued in the tournament as he emerged as Mumbai’s top scorer with 303 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 190.56.
Despite not featuring for India since his last Test against New Zealand in November 2024, Sarfaraz has been consistently delivering outstanding performances in domestic cricket, making a strong case for a national team recall. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was Mumbai’s second-highest run-getter this season, scoring 329 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 65.80 and a striking rate of 203.80.
Adding to his achievements, Sarfaraz secured an IPL 2026 contract with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at his base price of Rs. 75 lakh. This opportunity further validates his talent and potential as a valuable asset in the cricketing world.
