Irani Cup: Sarfaraz Khan knocks on India’s playing XI doors with double ton

Sarfaraz Khan, who after great first three Tests, was ignored for the Bangladesh series, unable to find a place in the Indian playing XI for both the Chennai and the Kanpur Tests, made a huge statement after he smashed a double ton in the Irani Cup 2024 on October 2 (Wednesday). He is the first player to score a double century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai.

Playing for reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Sarfaraz was the only player to get into three figures despite the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer looking like the first ones to get there.

The 26-year-old, who has Bradmanesque average (69) in first-class cricket, came out to bat at No. 6 with Mumbai in a spot of bother at 139/4. He then added 131 for the fifth wicket with Rahane. 

But after the Mumbai skipper got out for 97, becoming Yash Dayal’s second scalp, Sarfaraz took the onus upon himself to get the 42-time Ranji champions ahead in the game. 

The right-hander added a crucial 183 for the seventh wicket with Tanush Kotian (64) and brought up his century and 150 during the process. But even after Tanush was removed, Sarfaraz, who was playing his maiden Irani Trophy game, did not let his focus shift and brought up his first double ton in the competition's history.

At the time of Day 2, Sarfaraz was batting on 221 with number 11 Mohammad Juned Khan alongside. This 221 by Sarfaraz is now the fifth highest individual score in the competition's history. Former India and Mumbai star, Wasim Jaffer (286) holds the record for the highest individual score in Irani Trophy. Mumbai will begin Day 3 on 536/9. 

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