Sarfaraz credits Azhar after double ton; former captain backs him for India spot

Sarfaraz Khan credited former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin after scoring a double century (227) for Mumbai against Hyderabad in an Elite Group D match. Azharuddin, however, redirected the praise back to Sarfaraz.

"Sarfaraz should get all the credit – why me?" Azharuddin said. "He came to my office with some queries. I explained a few things—it's my duty. I congratulate him on the superlative knock."

Azharuddin declined to specify the queries but strongly advocated for Sarfaraz's inclusion in the Indian team. "He has done well and should be selected. He is an attacking batter and hasn't gotten many opportunities, yet he has delivered at every level."

Sarfaraz, 28, shared insights from his meeting with Azharuddin a day before the match. "Double centuries are special. The pitch wasn't easy—the ball kept low occasionally. Only those who attack could survive here."

He elaborated on the technical advice received: "I haven't faced much reverse swing in my career. Azhar Sir told me the ball reverses early here. He explained how to play it, where to stand for the inswing—on the leg stump—and demonstrated different shots. We spent about two hours together."

Sarfaraz also mentioned his long-standing admiration for Azharuddin's batting. "Since I was young, my father showed me videos of his batting. Even now, he shows me YouTube clips of Azhar playing flick shots. I'm a big fan of his style."

Upon reaching his century and double hundred, Sarfaraz exclaimed, "Mumbai meri maa hai (Mumbai is my mother)."

Mumbai ended Day 2 in a commanding position, posting 560 and reducing Hyderabad to 138/2.