'Sab Bolte hai Tera Time Aayega' Sarfaraz Khan on his non selection in the Test Team

Sarfaraz Khan, one of the best domestic cricketers, has struggled to break into the Indian side. Sarfaraz was naturally disappointed when the India lineup for the first two Tests against Australia was released. Despite the buzz surrounding his selection, as well as his stellar record in First Class cricket, earning the nod from the selectors has been difficult for the Mumbai Ranji Trophy player. Despite the recurrent disappointments, Sarfaraz has promised not to succumb to “despondency” and to keep moving forward.

“Everywhere I go, I hear murmurs that he will play for India soon. On social media, I have thousands of messages talking about my exclusion. Sab bolte hain tera time aayega (everyone says your time will come). I came from Assam to Delhi the day after the selection and wasn’t able to sleep the whole night. I kept asking why am I not there. But now after speaking to my father, I’m back to normal. I will never give up the practice, I will not go into depression. Don’t worry, I will keep trying,” he told The Indian Express.

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“I was down completely. It’s natural for anyone, especially once you have scored so many runs. I’m also human, not a machine. I too have emotions. I spoke to my father and he came to Delhi. I just had a practice session in Delhi with him. I have been getting messages and hearing that I should have been there. My father came and said our job is to score runs and he feels a day will come when I will play for India. So we need to keep that belief and let destiny decide the rest,” he added.

I was told that I would get picked for Bangladesh Test

I was sad not to see the name. But it is not in my hands. I have been doing everything I can. Din ko din aur raat ko raat nahi samjha (I have been working day and night). I’m just practising day in and day out. When I was growing up, we at home felt was I going to find a place in the Mumbai Ranji team. Now, we are talking about when I will find a place in the Indian team. So I have progressed. I have seen more downs than ups in my life, so I won’t keep this rejection for long with me,” Khan asserted.

 “During the Ranji Trophy final at Bangalore, when I scored a century, I met the selectors. I was told that ‘you’ll get your opportunity in Bangladesh. Be ready for that.’ Recently, I met Chetan Sharma sir (chief selector) while we were checking in at the hotel in Mumbai. He asked me not to feel disheartened, and that my time will come. Good things take time to happen. You’re very close (to an India berth). You’ll get your chance. So, when I played another important knock, I had expectations. But it’s alright,” he revealed.

 “I’m bound to fail in the odd match or two. It’s cricket, it happens. I’m not God. I can’t score in every match. And I’m very fit. I played in every match till the last. I run fast. Everyone has a different body structure, you can’t change it. I’ve cleared all the yo-yo tests in the past. Unless you clear the yo-yo test, you can’t play in the IPL,” he stressed.