It was another day of domination for Sarfaraz Khan in the Ranji Trophy, and now he has also made it to Bradman territory. His batting average of 80.42 in domestic cricket is second to only Don Bradman, and in the current season, it shot up to 140. Given the form he is in, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he surpasses Bradman’s astronomical average of 95.14 in domestic cricket. 

On Monday, in the Ranji Trophy clash against Uttarakhand, Sarfaraz scored a gritty 152 to drive Mumbai to a commanding position. he entered the scene when the scoreboard read 176/3, and then forged a mammoth 267-run stand with Suved Parkar. The 24-year-old struck four sixes and14 fours during his 205-ball stay, before a lapse in concentration that led to his downfall.

This was his third century of the season, having kickstarted the campaign with a brilliant double century against Saurashtra. Sarfaraz scored 275 runs in 401 balls, and followed it with a half-century against Goa. In his last game, Sarfaraz made 165 at a strike rate of 91 to drive Mumbai to a comfortable win. 

It is one thing to notch a century, and another to make it big. His 152 against Uttarakhand is the lowest he has managed after reaching the triple-digit figure. A couple of years ago, Sarfaraz battled a terrible bout of fever and cold to make an unbeaten 301 and secure three points for the team. 

Scroll through his last 13 innings and you’ll find a triple century, two double centuries, three centuries, and as many half-centuries. With a cut-off of 2000 runs, there’s a daylight difference between him and Vijay Merchant, the next Indian in the list. 

If he carries on his form to the last two games of the season, the national call-up might not be too far ahead of him. With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane already in the final episodes of their careers, India would not waste much time fast-tracking Sarfaraz, who has a penchant for playing daddy knocks. 

Featured Image Credit: Sarfaraz Khan