Musheer Khan battled his emotions to score a resilient century in the Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh at the Sharad Pawar Bandra-Kurla Complex ground in Mumbai on Saturday. The 20-year-old’s innings was instrumental in rescuing Mumbai from a precarious situation, and he dedicated his knock to his maternal uncle who passed away on Saturday morning.
The day began on a somber note for Musheer, as he received news of his uncle’s passing just as he was preparing for the match. Despite the personal tragedy, he displayed remarkable composure and determination, contributing significantly to Mumbai's recovery after they were reduced to 73 for 4. Musheer, the younger brother of Test-capped Sarfaraz Khan, crafted a well-measured innings, reaching his century on the 143rd delivery he faced. His emotional jump in the air and tear-filled eyes upon reaching the milestone revealed the depth of his feelings for his late uncle, who had significantly influenced his development as a cricketer.
"First of all, this century has come after a long time. And the second thing is that my mother's brother (uncle) died this morning. So I was feeling very sad for him. I have been with him since childhood. I have played with him. So I was feeling a little weird. I became emotional after hitting 100. So I cried a little,” Musheer said. He further added that he had many fond memories of his uncle and that he felt strange and couldn't control his emotions.
Musheer's century, his fourth in first-class cricket, was even more special, considering he was making a comeback from injury. He had suffered a neck fracture in an accident in Lucknow ahead of the Irani Cup match last year, causing him to miss the entire 2024-25 domestic season. This century was his first since September of last year.
Alongside Musheer, Siddhesh Lad also scored a century, contributing to a crucial 157-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Lad remained unbeaten on 100 at stumps. Musheer eventually made 112 off 162 balls, studded with 14 boundaries.
Musheer credited skipper Shardul Thakur and the MCA for supporting him through tough times, especially after poor performances in the first two matches. He also spoke about the advice he received from his brother Sarfaraz, who encouraged him to stay at the crease and keep scoring. Musheer emphasized the importance of playing his own game and focusing on the team's needs, highlighting the supportive environment within the Mumbai team. He also uses his feet to break the rhythm of bowlers.
This fighting century not only showcased Musheer Khan's talent and resilience but also his ability to perform under pressure while dealing with personal loss. His innings will be remembered as a fitting tribute to his late uncle and a testament to his unwavering spirit.
