In a tale of inspiration meeting aspiration, 19-year-old Musheer Khan’s exceptional innings of 136 in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha was galvanized by none other than cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar’s attendance on the second day of the final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium turned into a pivotal moment for the young Mumbai batter, igniting a performance that pushed the outcome in Mumbai’s favor by the third day.
Khan, unaware of Tendulkar’s presence initially, noticed the maestro on the big screen at 60 runs. This realization spurred him on, driving him to impress a figure he has likely idolized. “I saw him on the big screen and (thereon) I batted with the motivation that he is watching today and I have to impress sir,” Musheer shared with the media post the day’s play.
The significance of Tendulkar and India captain Rohit Sharma’s presence underscored the rising stature of domestic red-ball cricket. Musheer’s innings, marked by poise and determination, also benefited from sharing the crease with experienced campaigners like Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, providing him invaluable learning opportunities.
Achieving a century in the Ranji Trophy final was a dream realized for Khan, who shared a crucial partnership with Iyer. Musheer’s approach to batting, fearless and forward-moving, reflects his rigorous preparation and technical work, particularly after being dropped from the squad the previous year.
His technique, developed through practice with his father, has been designed to counter pitch variations effectively. Musheer’s brother, and another cricket sensation, Sarfaraz Khan, played a crucial supportive role, advising him to seize the final as a golden opportunity and to play his natural game.
Musheer’s century not only steered Mumbai towards a commanding position but also etched his name in the records as the youngest Mumbai player to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, surpassing Rusi Modi’s record. This innings, under the watchful eyes of cricketing giants, could well be the launchpad for Musheer Khan’s promising career, exemplifying the blend of talent, hard work, and the right dose of inspiration.
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