Sarfaraz Khan: 5 reasons why he is the next superstar in Indian cricket

Sarfaraz Khan, this name of the 18-year-old boy is known to all the Indian cricket fans for his heroics in last years Indian Premier League (IPL). This talented cricketer is currently representing India in the on-going ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh and is an important member of the team.This right-handed aggressive batsman from Mumbai burst into the scene when in 2015 when he was signed up for Rs. 50 lakhs by the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and played an explosive knock of unbeaten 45 off just 21 balls against Rajasthan Royals.Sarfaraz awardedIn the youth level, Sarfaraz is a very eminent figure among cricket fans as he doing really well for the Indian Under-19 team. He also made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2014-15 season against Bengal for Mumbai. Sarfaraz now plays for Uttar Pradesh as his father hails from that state. The whole cricketing fraternity is touting him as the next big thing in Indian cricket as a superstar of the future at this very young age.Here are the five reasons why Sarfaraz Khan is the next superstar in Indian cricket:

#1 Sarfaraz Khan has been heroic in IPL

Sarfaraz Khan in action against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2015.

The IPL is the most glamorous among cricketing bonanzas and it also became Sarfaraz’s first big platform as he was signed up for Rs. 50 lakhs by the IPL franchise RCB in 2015. Sarfaraz became the youngest player to play in IPL at the age of 17.

On his second game in IPL, Sarfaraz played a magical innings of 45* against Rajasthan Royals for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. This innings came under pressure and his team was in trouble when he came out to bat.

His aggressive knock from just 21 balls helped his team post a big score of 200 in the contest. The whole stadium gave him a vociferous ovation as he ended his innings along with captain Virat Kohli.

He went on to play 11 more matches in the tournament and became a key member of the squad. It was his heroics in the IPL which made him a household name at this very young age.

#2 Sarfaraz\'s performance for the Indian Under-19 team

Sarfaraz playing for the Indian under-19 team against Pakistan.

Sarfaraz is currently representing the Indian Under-19 team in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh. In the on-going World Cup Sarfaraz is in a rich vein of form, he has already registered 304 runs in 5 innings at an average of 76.

Apart from this particular tournament, his performance for the Indian youth team has been marvellous. He recently became the fourth Indian and the 18th overall player to reach 1000 ODI runs at the youth level.

He is a very important member of the team which is coached by batting legend Rahul Dravid and is also the favourite to win the World Cup. The Indian Under-19 team have already reached the final of the tournament where they will play against West Indies or Bangladesh.

His last five innings in the tournament were 74, 74, 21*, 76 and 59 his form and the team's overall form is the main reason why India is touted as tournament favourites.

#3 Sarfaraz Khan\'s Ranji Trophy show

Sarfaraz playing for the Mumbai Ranji team

Sarfaraz made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2014-15 season against Bengal for Mumbai. After the season ended he joined Uttar Pradesh as his father hails from that state and now plays for them.

In six first-class appearances, he has scored 299 runs in nine innings at an average of almost 38 which is quite impressive keeping in mind that he is only 18. His highest score in Ranji is 155 which came for his new team Uttar Pradesh.

His last Ranji match till date was an important one in his short career as he played against his former side Mumbai which ended in a draw. Sarfaraz played a crucial 44 run innings in the hostile atmosphere under pressure.

#4 Praise from the legends

Virat Kohli celebrating with Sarfaraz

Sarfaraz is currently playing under the coaching of Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid in the Indian Under-19 team. Dravid has been praising this youngster from the day he started his job.

In a press conference ahead of the Under-19 World Cup, the 43-year-old cricketer said that Sarfaraz is a youngster who will shine in the future. He said, “There are many ‘X-Factors’ in the team as the boys are quite talented but Khan is definitely one,”

Earlier his Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli, who is also the Indian test captain and vice-captain in limited-overs format also praised him for his heroics in the IPL. After his outstanding knock against Rajasthan Royals, Kohli bowed to this young sensation in the dugout and greeted him with joy.

#5 Sarfaraz Khan is highest scoring Indian in Under-19 World Cup history

Sarfaraz is starring in the U19 World Cup

Sarfaraz is currently representing India in his second Under-19 World Cup and by scoring 304 runs in the on-going tournament; he also became the highest scoring Indian in the Under-19 World Cup history. He is also at No.6 in all time highest scorers list in the Under-19 World cups.

In 11 appearances in two World cups so far, he has scored a total of 515 runs at an average of almost 74 which is phenomenal. He also has the highest average for top ten batsmen in the highest run getters list in World Cups.

With a match still to play he can surely climb up the list and who knows with a match-winning century in the final, he can become all time highest run getter in Under-19 World Cup history.