Mumbai batter Musheer Khan shared the message he received from his brother Sarfaraz Khan after getting out cheaply in his first innings against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 final. The 19-year-old failed to showcase his usual prowess with the bat in Mumbai’s first innings at the Wankhede Stadium on March 11 but went on to score a crucial century in Mumbai’s second innings. Both brothers, Sarfaraz and Musheer, have been in impressive form for the India Test side and the Mumbai domestic team, respectively.
Musheer Khan was dismissed for 6 off 12 balls by in-form left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey in Mumbai’s first innings at the Wankhede Stadium, but went on to hit a crucial 136 to help his side set up a massive 538-run target for Vidarbha to chase. Speaking to the press after his second innings, Musheer Khan shared the words of support he received from his brother after his 1st innings failure.
Ranji Trophy Final, MUM vs VID, Day 4: Live score
“When I got out (cheaply) in the first innings, (he told me) it’s okay, back yourself in the second innings and play your game. He told me to bat the way I found was comfortable,” Musheer told PTI.
Even before Musheer took the field for the final, Sarfaraz Khan had urged his brother to shy away from feeling pressure and playing the big final with an open mind.
“I had spoken with bhai (Sarfaraz) earlier and he told me that this is a good opportunity for me in the final, with everyone watching. If I would make runs here, it would be better for me in the future,” Musheer added.
Musheer’s innings along with Shreyas Iyer’s 95 and Ajinkya Rahane’s 73 brought Mumbai out of their initial troubles in the second innings and ultimately brought them into cruise control of the game. Musher and Shreyas went on to build a pivotal 168-run partnership for the fourth wicket within just 256 balls.
Vidarbha were on the backfoot in their mammoth chase as they lost openers Dhruv Shorey and Atharva Taide in quick succession on Day 4 of the final.
