A single image has sent Indian cricket fans into a frenzy: Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and dynamic Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan spotted training side-by-side at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The photo, shared by Sarfaraz on Instagram, quickly went viral, igniting excitement about this powerful duo sharing the nets.
Sarfaraz, known for his explosive batting, has been in phenomenal domestic form, consistently making a strong case for a national team call-up. Most recently, he smashed an unbeaten 109 runs from just as many balls against Haryana during the Buchi Babu Tournament in Chennai. He came to the crease when Mumbai was struggling at 84 for four and went on to forge a crucial 117-run partnership with Hardik Tamore, pulling his team out of a difficult spot. This blistering innings, featuring nine fours and five sixes, followed another spectacular performance of 138 runs in the tournament’s opening match against TNCA XI.
Although Mumbai’s campaign in the tournament ended prematurely after conceding a first-innings lead to Bengal, Sarfaraz’s consistent high-scoring displays have been the undeniable highlight. With India’s upcoming home Test series against the West Indies on the horizon, his timely performances couldn’t be more impactful.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is also deep in his preparation phase for India’s crucial three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled to begin on October 19 in Perth. Having announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier in May after a decorated career, the 38-year-old is poised for his return to international action after a seven-month hiatus. A recent Instagram video showcased his characteristic fluent batting during a net session, reassuring fans about his fitness following a minor health scare last week.
The heartwarming sight of Rohit seemingly mentoring Sarfaraz at the NCA has naturally fueled speculation about a potential grooming process for the talented young batter. As seasoned stalwarts like Rohit and Virat Kohli increasingly focus on ODI cricket, the cricketing world is watching closely to see if the baton is indeed being passed to the next generation of Indian cricketing stars.