Sarfaraz Khan grabbed the spotlight in IPL 2015, playing quite a few cameo knocks for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, with some of his unorthodox shots catching the eye. Sarfaraz has come into IPL 2016 on the back of more experience, having represented India in the U-19 World Cup.
The RCB middle-order batsman is blessed to be a part of such a team, which comprises of three of the best batsmen in the world -- AB De Villiers, Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle -- and a world-class all-rounder in Shane Watson. All these stars have proved themselves in the international arena, and have even offered batting tips to Sarfaraz.
"In the selection matches for RCB, I was given chance to bat up the order and did well. The coach and senior players like Gayle, Kohli, De Villiers have given me tips on how to play each ball on merit and how to rotate the strike if a senior player is playing with me at the other end," Press Trust of India quoted Sarfaraz as saying.
Besides receiving tips from such quality players of the current generation, he must have learned a great deal from his U-19 coach, Rahul Dravid, who most of the India youngsters look up to. Though India lost in the final of the U-19 World Cup, Sarfaraz was one of the most consistent batsmen in the competition.
"I have learned a lot from last year to this year. In between there was the U-19 (World Cup) and I was able to learn from Rahul sir. I am getting more experience and am able to learn more as Shane Watson too has come into our team," Sarfraz said.
"I will be playing for the first time here for RCB. Our top order batsmen are in form. If I get a chance I will try to play well. If I perform well here where I have played before I do feel good."
Sarfaraz played a gem of an innings against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in RCB's opening match of IPL 2016, scoring 10-ball 35, which included plenty of scoop shots.
