Sarfaraz eyes a strong show

Batsmen keen to repay RCB for retaining him

Sarfaraz Khan's career has sprung quite a few surprises ever since he became the youngest to play the Indian Premier League three years ago at the age of 17.

The right-hander, who scored a half-century in the final of the U-19 World Cup in 2016, was India's best batsman in the tournament with 355 runs from six matches. After the World Cup high, Sarfaraz's IPL season turned out to be a forgettable one. The youngster was dropped half-way through Royal Challengers Bangalore's campaign with questions raised over his fitness and fielding skills.      

Last year, Sarfaraz was back in the news albeit for a wrong reason. He suffered a knee injury just two days before the 10th  edition of the IPL and was ruled out for the season. Unexpectedness has been the theme of Sarfaraz's life. Many were taken aback when he was retained by RCB ahead of big names this year. With a little over two weeks to go before the 11th  edition kicks off, Sarfaraz cannot thank his franchise enough.

"When a player gets injured, he suddenly starts feeling lonely. But RCB played a big role in my recovery. The management kept track of my injury and offered me great support. They took care of my expenses. Also, my father was my strength and my family stood by me," said Sarfaraz here on Monday on the sidelines of Game Plan, a Star Sports programme on IPL.

Despite a long injury layoff, Sarfaraz is keen on looking at the positives. "I feel the injury was actually a good thing to have happened. Post that, I have given greater emphasis on fitness and I am spending more time at the gym. I have also worked hard on my fielding and now I can't wait to get on the field and help my team win," he offered.

With his inventive style of play, Sarfaraz essayed the role of a finisher for RCB in 2016. His power hitting, especially against spinners, will be key for the Bengaluru side. "After my retention, the responsibility has only increased. I have batted at number five or six in the past. My team will tell me my role but I am ready for any kind of challenge. My aim is to bat long and be there in the middle right till the end," he explained.

Spor