Musheer Khan: carving his own story beyond Sarfaraz's shadow

Do you know Musheer Khan?

There is a great chance you haven’t registered his name in the back of your mind yet, but it's unlikely to stay that way for long. The identity that he is Sarfaraz Khan’s younger sibling and also plays some cricket in Mumbai isn’t going to define Musheer as the youngest Khan in the Naushad Khan household is building his own distinct story.

At the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground in Tamil Nadu, against the picturesque backdrop of the Shevaroy hills, Musheer played without any burden. He was in his element, dismantling Delhi's bowlers one by one.

Such was the prowess that Musheer possessed during his stay of 113 runs in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament that he hardly looked troubled. Neither was he beaten often. “I have always loved being out there, be it batting or bowling; there’s nothing that I don’t like about this sport,” Musheer tells Cricket.com. 

The passion for cricket in their household is so deeply ingrained that all three Khans once participated in a Kanga League match for the Young Mohammedan Club against the Young Maharashtra Cricket Club, where their father walked away with the best bowler honors.

That Naushad is a cricket badger is never a doubt. Aside from ensuring top-notch coaching for his children, he continues to journey to every corner of the country where his kids are in action. This dedication has occasionally ruffled feathers among Mumbai cricket officials. However, it's hard to envision a match where either Sarfaraz or Musheer is playing without their "Abbu" present to witness it.

“Whatever Bhaiyaa or I have achieved in our career, it is because of Abbu. All his life, he has dedicated to us to grow our career and give us the best coaching. He modeled our batting style and technique in a very similar fashion, but more importantly, he has given us the mental strength that is very much required to be a Mumbai cricketer,” says Musheer. 

Musheer emerged as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the 2022-23 Vinoo Mankad Trophy for U19 cricket, boasting an average of 113.67. In the four innings he batted, he scored less than 50 runs only once. That came on the back of a successful Col. CK Nayudu Trophy season with Mumbai, where he scored a triple-century against Hyderabad. The trajectory has enough substance for him to propel him to the captaincy position for the upcoming U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka. His bowling skills further enhance his credentials.

“I don’t think much about the future. That’s another thing Abbu has instilled in us. We are all about the process. But yes, if the opportunity comes along, I would grab it. But even if I don’t get it, it wouldn’t affect my batting or bowling. Playing for India has always been our dream. That’s my ultimate dream.”

Pause and contemplate. How does an 18-year-old, untouched by the clichés media-trained cricketers often adopt today, articulate his perspective on the process? But shortly after the scheduled close of play in Salem, Musheer is back on the field, engaged in bowling practice. It's evident he genuinely meant every word he spoke.

Musheer is not so different than Sarfaraz. Both are profoundly emotional and occasionally transgress the boundaries of convention. In 2019, Musheer was reported to the MCA by his own team manager for making "obscene gestures" at teammate Vedanta Gadia during a Vijay Merchant Trophy quarter-final game against Uttar Pradesh. Initially handed a three-year ban, he later received a reduction to less than a year following an unconditional apology.

This period also coincided with his brother Sarfaraz Khan's challenging career phase. Upon returning to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh and serving a cooling-off period to represent the team again, Sarfaraz grappled with uncertainties in the IPL and succumbed to depression. It took the unwavering support of their lion-hearted father, Naushad Khan, along with professional guidance, to mentally fortify his beloved sons for the greater challenges ahead.

Life has come full circle for the boys. Notwithstanding his selection in the Indian team, Sarfaraz is unstoppable with the bat, whereas Musheer has started really well as an all-rounder. While many dream of representing Mumbai, Naushad Khan now has his two kids representing the best team on the domestic circuit with aplomb. 

“We are on a long journey. It is not ending anytime soon,” Musheer proclaims with a smile. And you now know why.