Latest news with #KangaLeague
India.com
5 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
If Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar can...': Sarfaraz Khan questions BCCI intent for...
If Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar can...': Sarfaraz Khan questions BCCI intent for... New Delhi: Sarfaraz Khan, the neglected batsman of the Indian team, believes that all Mumbai cricketers should take part in the Kanga League competition. Sarfaraz himself took part in this tournament held in the monsoon season and said that players should not avoid playing in it for fear of failure. He was ignored by the selectors for the five-match Test series against England, but he made headlines with his brilliant fitness transformation and performance on the field. Playing for Parkophene Cricketers against Islam Gymkhana, he scored 61 runs in 42 balls. Why is Kanga League special for Sarfaraz? Sarfaraz said, 'I was so excited about this match that the reporting time was 8:30, but I reached at 8 o'clock itself. Batting on the pitch was not easy; once, the ball also hit my helmet. There was a thick layer of grass on the outfield, which was making it difficult to hit fours.' He recalled that in his childhood, he had heard from his father, Naushad Khan, that Sunil Gavaskar had come to play Kanga League the same day after returning from England. That is why Sarfaraz and his younger brother Mushir feel proud to play in this tournament. Can this tournament change the careers of players? Sarfaraz said, 'Some players think that failure here will affect their careers, but if Gavaskar Sir and Sachin Tendulkar Sir had also thought so, they would not have become legends. If big players play in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the youth of the city.' He also added that if someone succeeds in Kanga League, he can score runs on any ground in the world. Preparing to return to Team India Sarfaraz played Kanga League after three years and gained confidence by looking at his old performance. His name may be under consideration for selection for the upcoming two-Test series, and with this performance, he has given a strong message to the selectors.
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘If Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar thought the same way…': Sarfaraz Khan looking to follow Mumbai legends' footsteps in bid to make India return
Sarfaraz Khan's ommission from the Indian squad for their recently concluded five-Test series in England raised quite a few eyebrows. As the epic series unfolded, images of Sarfaraz appeared in which he was much leaner than before. Sarfaraz is now avoiding having a long break from cricket by playing in the Kanga League. Playing for the Parkophone Cricketers, Sarfaraz scored 61 off 42 balls against Islam Gymkhana. 'During my childhood, I heard a lot of stories from my father [coach Naushad Khan] about how Sunil Gavaskar sir once turned up for a Kanga League match despite returning from England the same morning,' Sarfaraz is quoted as saying by Mid-Day. 'So, [his younger brother] Musheer and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening [Saturday], we were hoping it wouldn't rain today. It rained a bit this morning, but when I reached Islam Gymkhana, the weather was good. I played my last Kanga League match three years ago. I was going through the league fixture book before this game and saw my name in it for scoring a century in 2018 and it felt nice.' Sarfaraz said that all Mumbai players should be playing in the league. Named after Hormasji Kanga, who played in the early 20th century, the competition was inaugurated in 1948. The overcast conditions and moisture in the pitch that tends to be prevalent around the time of the year in Mumbai when the tournament is held makes it difficult for batters to score runs and international cricketers generally have tended to give it a miss. 'All Mumbai players should play [Kanga League]. Some players feel that if they fail here, it'll be bad for their future. But if Gavaskar sir and Sachin Tendulkar sir thought the same way, they might not have gone on to become legends. If big players play in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the city's youngsters. Kanga League is such a tournament that if you succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world,' said Sarfaraz.
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First Post
10 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
'If Gavaskar sir and Sachin sir...': Sarfaraz Khan makes big statement amid India comeback bid
Sarfaraz Khan cited examples of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar as he urged Mumbai cricketers to play in the iconic Kanga League. The 27-year-old made this statement as he eyes a return to the Indian team. read more Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, who is struggling to find a place in the national team despite proving himself on the biggest of stages, has made a powerful statement. Speaking to Mid-Day after an appearance in Mumbai's famous Kanga League, Sarfaraz urged all cricketers from the city to take part in the tournament, giving examples of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar. Sarfaraz urges Mumbai cricketers to play local league Playing for Parkophone Cricketers, Sarfaraz smashed 61 runs from 42 balls against Islam Gymkhana on Sunday, August 10. After the match, the 27-year-old said that every Mumbai cricketer should play in Kanga League even if they are afraid of failing at a smaller stage. He said that Tendulkar and Gavaskar never worried about it, and if they had thought the same way, they would never have become such great players. 'During my childhood, I heard a lot of stories from my father [coach Naushad Khan] about how Sunil Gavaskar sir once turned up for a Kanga League match despite returning from England the same morning. So, Musheer [younger brother] and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening [Saturday], we were hoping it won't rain today. It rained a bit this morning, but when I reached Islam Gymkhana, the weather was good. I played my last Kanga League match three years ago. I was going through the league fixture book before this game and saw my name in it for scoring a century in 2018 and it felt nice,' Sarfaraz told Mid-Day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'All Mumbai players should play [Kanga League]. Some players feel that if they fail here, it'll be bad for their future. But if Gavaskar sir and Sachin Tendulkar sir thought the same way, they might not have gone on to become legends. If big players play in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the city's youngsters. Kanga League is such a tournament that if you succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world,' he added. Sarfaraz was in the news recently for his impressive body transformation, losing more than 17 kgs by following strict training and diet plans. He is currently eyeing a return to the national side. He was among the candidates who were considered for selection during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but missed out on a spot due to tough competition and lack of experience in England.
NDTV
10 hours ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Sarfaraz Khan Sends Huge Statement Of Intent To BCCI: "If Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar..."
Ignored Indian cricket team batter Sarfaraz Khan believes that all Mumbai cricketers should play the Kanga League competition. Sarfaraz turned up for the tournament that is held during Mumbai's monsson season and said that cricketers should not skip it due to the fear of failure. Sarfaraz was ignored by the BCCI selectors for the five-match Test series against England but the youngster found himself in the headlines due to his stunning body transformation. Sarfaraz scored 61 off 42 deliveries while playing for Parkophone Cricketers during the match against Islam Gymkhana. It was a big statement of intent from the cricketer who is looking to regain his spot in the Indian cricket team and he namedropped Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar in his big message for Mumbai cricketers. 'I was so excited about this Kanga League match that the reporting time was 8.30am, but I reached at 8am only. More than being satisfied with my performance, I was delighted to be able to spend time in the middle. The pitch was not easy to bat on, and I even got hit on my helmet once. Also, there was a thick grass cover across the outfield so boundaries were hard to come by,' Sarfaraz told Mid-Day. "During my childhood, I heard a lot of stories from my father [coach Naushad Khan] about how Sunil Gavaskar sir once turned up for a Kanga League match despite returning from England the same morning. So, Musheer [younger brother] and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening [Saturday], we were hoping it won't rain today. It rained a bit this morning, but when I reached Islam Gymkhana, the weather was good. I played my last Kanga League match three years ago. I was going through the league fixture book before this game and saw my name in it for scoring a century in 2018 and it felt nice,' Sarfaraz added. Sarfaraz will be one of the names who will be considered while picking the squad for the two-match Test series against 'All Mumbai players should play [Kanga League]. Some players feel that if they fail here, it'll be bad for their future. But if Gavaskar sir and Sachin Tendulkar sir thought the same way, they might not have gone on to become legends. If big players play in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the city's youngsters. Kanga League is such a tournament that if you succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world,' he concluded.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
‘All Mumbai players...': Sarfaraz Khan seeks inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar ahead of domestic season
CANTERBURY, ENGLAND - MAY 30: Sarfaraz Khan of India A plays a shot over his head for a boundary during the four day match between England Lions and India A at The Spitfire Ground on May 30, 2025 in Canterbury, England. (Photo by) Discarded India middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan will kick off the domestic season by playing in Mumbai's famous Kanga League. The Kanga League is a tournament played during the Mumbai monsoons. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Citing the examples of legendary Indian batters Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar , who rated the Kanga League highly in their playing days, Sarfaraz shared his thoughts. 'During my childhood, I heard many stories from my father (Naushad Khan) about how Sunil Gavaskar sir once turned up for a Kanga League match despite returning from England the same morning,' Sarfaraz told Mid-day. 'So, Musheer (my younger brother) and I have always taken pride in playing this tournament. While returning from Nagpur last evening (Saturday), we were hoping it wouldn't rain today. Poll Do you think the Kanga League is essential for Mumbai cricketers? Yes, it's crucial for development. No, it's not necessary. 'It rained a bit this morning, but when I reached Islam Gymkhana, the weather was good. I played my last Kanga League match three years ago. 'I was going through the league fixture book before this game and saw my name in it for scoring a century in 2018, and it felt nice.' Sarfaraz explained why all Mumbai cricketers must play in the Kanga League. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like With temperatures hitting 95°F, this is the mini air conditioner everyone's buying in the U.S News of the Discovery Undo He said: 'All Mumbai players should play the Kanga League. Some players feel that if they fail here, it'll be bad for their future. 'But if Gavaskar sir and Sachin Tendulkar sir thought the same way, they might not have gone on to become legends. 'If big players participate in this tournament, it will be an inspiration for the city's youngsters. 'Kanga League is such a tournament that if you succeed here, you can score runs anywhere in the world.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
