NEW DELHI: While many cricketers dream of having an IPL contract, Mumbai's young
Ranji Trophy
hero
Musheer Khan
is glad he wasn't selected in the player auction of the previous year since it will allow him more time to "understand" the
T20 format
.
The 19-year-old was certain he would leave his mark in the IPL eventually, having become the youngest Mumbai batsman to score a century in a Ranji final, surpassing the record set by the great
Sachin Tendulkar
.
"My name is not in the IPL. But I don't feel disappointed. My father tells me to play
Test cricket
and play for Team India. IPL will eventually happen, if not today then tomorrow," Musheer told PTI Video recalling the words of his father and formative coach Naushad.
"It's good that I got another year to prepare for the IPL. I will understand T20 cricket more, and how I should prepare for this format," said Musheer, who has so far played just five First-Class matches.
Musheer made history against Vidarbha in the Ranji final recently, scoring 136 in the second innings to aid Mumbai in setting a formidable 538. In the end, it assisted Mumbai in winning their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, breaking all previous records.
Musheer naturally looked up to his older brother Sarfaraz, who debuted for India in the third Test match against England at Rajkot earlier this month.
"I am really inspired by my brother because of his dedication and the way he bats. Our batting style is similar. He told me before the game (Ranji final) to think of it as a normal match and not to take too much pressure."
"From outside, it may feel like a normal match but on the field, we feel pressure on the field. He told me to back my skills and follow the process," he added.
Following Mumbai's eight-year victory in the Ranji Trophy, Musheer, who was also the top run scorer in the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year with two hundreds, was ecstatic.
"It's a matter of pride that we have amassed 42 titles. Many great players have played here (for Mumbai). I feel very proud that I have played for Mumbai and won a championship.
"I also want to thank the
Mumbai Cricket Association
(MCA) and congratulate them because they have provided us with a lot of support. I hope they continue to back us in the same way," he said.
The elegant right-hander lauded veteran pacer
Dhawal Kulkarni
, who retired after the Ranji Trophy final.
"The support he has given to Mumbai cricket, the things he has done for Mumbai, it's incredible. The speech he gave ahead of the final was a real motivation for all of us.
"It was his last match. We were emotional and we wanted to win the trophy as a gift to Dhawal bhai. We wanted him to leave happily. He took the last wicket (of Vidarbha) of the match and everything came out perfectly," he noted.
(With PTI inputs)
English (US) ·