IPL 2016: Sarfaraz Khan hopes he doesn't get to bat against the Mumbai Indians today

Royal Challengers Bangalore's 18-year-old prodigy, Sarfaraz Khan has had a mixed IPL 2016 campaign so far. The Mumbai lad scored a brilliant 10-ball 35 in RCB's opening match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, but unfortunately, couldn't follow-up his sterling performance against the Delhi Daredevils.

As the Virat Kohli-led side slumped to a 7-wicket defeat against the Delhi-based franchise at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru last Sunday, Sarfaraz could only manage a single run before returning to the pavilion courtesy of a brilliant run-out by Mohammed Shami.

Now, as Royal Challengers Bangalore are getting all geared up to take on the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, in what is to be its first away match of the season, Khan hopes he doesn't get to bat in front of a full-house Wankhede, later today.

In an interview, Khan told the press, “I wish I don't get a chance to bat because that would mean our top order has done the job well. However, if I get to bat, I will try and do the best I can for my team.”

The youngster also vowed to bat to the best of his abilities in this year's Indian Premier League and admitted that the senior members of the squad gave him a lot of confidence after his brilliant little cameo against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 4th match of the coveted tournament.

“I want to give off my best in this IPL as compared to last year. After the first match of this season, the seniors gave me a lot of confidence and told me to keep playing my natural game, according to the situation,” the 18-year-old added.

Sarfaraz Khan's last batting stint at the Wankhede

Sarfaraz Khan, a native of Mumbai, joined the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team back in 2015. The 18-year-old's decision didn't go down well with a number of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials.

Sarfaraz had played his last match here at the Wankhede when Mumbai took on Uttar Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy encounter back in November 2015. He scored 44 runs in that match which ended as a stalemate.

When asked about his decision of leaving his home state for UP, Sarfaraz said, “I have stopped thinking about all these things now (leaving Mumbai for Uttar Pradesh). I only want to concentrate on my game and do well for my team.”