Rising Mumbai star Musheer Khan is walking into the footsteps of his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan. After representing India at the ICC U-19 ODI World Cup, he then peeled off a memorable century in the Ranji Trophy final earlier this week just like Sarfaraz who did so during the 2021-22 season.
2024 has been a memorable year for Musheer. He finished the U19 World Cup as the second-highest run-getter behind his India captain Uday Saharan and then converted his maiden first-class hundred into a double-century in Mumbai’s semi-final match against Tamil Nadu.
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And then of course, the century in the Ranji final that helped Mumbai set a mammoth 538-run target for Vidarbha.
The 19-year-old says he’s not disappointed at not having an IPL contract this time around but his focus is on playing Test cricket for India.
“My name is not in the IPL. But I don’t feel disappointed. My father tells me to play Test cricket and play for Team India. IPL will eventually happen, if not today then tomorrow,” Musheer told PTI Video.
“It’s good that I got another year to prepare for the IPL. I will understand T20 cricket more, and how I should prepare for this format,” he added.
Sarfaraz realised his India dream last month when he made his Test debut in Rajkot and scored two sparkling fifties in his first international game.
Musheer played a vital role in Mumbai clinching a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title.
“I am really inspired by my brother because of his dedication and the way he bats. Our batting style is similar. He told me before the game (Ranji final) to think of it as a normal match and not to take too much pressure,” Musheer said.
“From outside, it may feel like a normal match but on the field, we feel pressure on the field. He told me to back my skills and follow the process,” he added.
Musheer is proud to be part of Mumbai’s title winning season.
“It’s a matter of pride that we have amassed 42 titles. Many great players have played here (for Mumbai). I feel very proud that I have played for Mumbai and won a championship. I also want to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and congratulate them because they have provided us with a lot of support. I hope they continue to back us in the same way,” he said.
The win was a fitting farewell for Mumbai stalwart Dhawal Kulkarni for whom the Ranji final was the final match of his first-class career.
“The support he (Dhawal) has given to Mumbai cricket, the things he has done for Mumbai, it’s incredible. The speech he gave ahead of the final was a real motivation for all of us,” Musheer said.
“It was his last match. We were emotional and we wanted to win the trophy as a gift to Dhawal bhai. We wanted him to leave happily. He took the last wicket (of Vidarbha) of the match and everything came out perfectly,” he added.
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