Sarfaraz Khan’s story of rise to the top isn’t just about hard work. It’s about an uncompromising, old-school regime of brutal tough love led by his father and mentor, Naushad.
What Did Sarfaraz Khan Say About His Father Naushad?
In a deeply candid and eye-opening chat on Chennai Super Kings’ YouTube Channel, Khan pulled back the curtain on what it was really like growing up under his father’s relentless watchful eye.
The Mumbai cricketer revealed how his father wanted him to play longer innings. A stark departure from Naushad’s own style so that his son could play the test for India. The result?
Naushad’s strict rules. Including not to “hit a lot,” staying on the pitch for 40-45 overs. But what if the CSK star failed? The consequences weren’t gentle.
“If I get out, he used to hit me a lot. He used to tell me, go for 2-3 rounds. So, full day, I used to get hit from him. He was never ever friendly with me. He was not like father to me. Never. Even now also,” Khan said.
For the 28-year-old, home didn’t feel like a sanctuary. It felt like a bootcamp. Even away from the practice pitches, the pressure cooker never cooled down. The coaching never stopped.
“Every time, even when he’s at home also, I used to feel like I’m in jail,” Khan said. “Every time, coaching, coaching. I can’t even go there.
“If I’m going to washroom for 5 minutes, ‘Hey, where are you, Sarfaraz?’ He’s calling me, ‘I’m in washroom, daddy’. He’s like ‘okay, I thought you went out. Come, come outside fast. Watch the match’.”
But this tough love made Khan what he is today. A test player for India.
It wasn’t always pretty, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But as Khan continues to make his mark for India, it’s abundantly clear that his father’s uncompromising vision ultimately paid off.