The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has already been an incredible experience for Musheer Khan.
With a semi-final match against South Africa on Tuesday, he has the opportunity to solidify his legacy with other notable figures in Indian cricket history who have followed a similar path. He is presently the tournament’s top run scorer.
Among them was Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan’s elder brother, who participated in this competition in both 2014 and 2016 and was just called up to the Indian Test team for the upcoming series against England.
Although Sarfaraz’s journey has not been without difficulties, Musheer Khan feels fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from someone who has experienced this firsthand. He’s watched his brother’s work intently and has taken in as much information as he can. His older sibling is now a confidante as well as a source of inspiration.
Asked about his brother’s influence, Musheer Khan tells the ICC, “The first thing he told me was that there is no bigger pride than playing for India.” He instructed me to have fun on the field and to help the team win the game whenever I get the opportunity, whether it be with the bat or the ball.
“You are representing the nation, so play with all of your heart,” he said. From his batting style to his constant focus on winning the game for his team to the way he constructs his innings, Sarfaraz has taught me a lot.
“His attention was always on scoring runs and the process, not on the outcome, even when he was pounding on the doors of the Indian team.” My attention is also on the procedure.
Though Musheer Khan’s brother continues to be a significant role model, Sachin Tendulkar is the player who inspires him the most, much like practically every other Mumbai-born cricketer.
That was made clear in a memorable moment against New Zealand when Musheer Khan produced a tremendous uppercut that had analysts pointing out how much it looked like the Little Master.
Musheer Khan considers the beginnings of his journey, which started at a young age under his father’s watchful supervision, as he goes on to establish himself.
“My father would take me to the ground to play cricket when I was younger, when I was about 5 or 6 years old,” he explains. I began playing cricket gradually after seeing my brother play.
“My path has presented me with a great deal of hurdles thus far. There is intense competition starting in youth, as seen in U14, U16, and even U19 levels.”
Musheer Khan acknowledges that his father guided him through the challenging times. “My father has always encouraged me to work hard,” he says. “You have to accept that obstacles will always arise in order to keep moving forward.”
Musheer Khan considers his three first-class matches for Mumbai to be the “turning point in my career so far.” He also feels that competing at the highest level of domestic cricket has greatly aided in his adaptation to the obstacles that come with competing in a World Cup.
During the talk, a pattern becomes apparent: the 18-year-old is constantly eager to give the coaches credit and emphasize his dedication to the team’s goal rather than individual achievements.
“The support staff has backed us to play fearlessly right from the start and back our natural playing style,” he states.
We play for each other on the squad, which is another factor that has benefited us. We don’t allow someone’s bad day to effect the player or the squad. On the field, it is evident that we are a family playing together.
Even though Musheer Khan has had exceptional performances in the competition thus far—two centuries that have propelled him to the top of the run charts—he claims he wouldn’t be content until the World Cup is won.
“Although I am pleased with my performances, I won’t be content until we win the World Cup,” he declares. “I don’t really want to focus about being the highest run-getter right now.
We are concentrating on winning the World Cup since it has been the sole goal of the competition since the beginning. All I want to do is work hard for the team and accept the outcome as it comes.
“Bringing the World Cup to India would bring us immense joy.” However, we are aware that obtaining the championship won’t be simple and that we will need to put in a lot of effort.
Musheer Khan is unflinching as the tournament enters a crucial stage despite the possibility of playing a team that will receive support from home fans.
“There’s not any anxiety,” he claims. “As with the league stages and Super Six, we see the semi-final as just one more game. We are not putting in any more demands.
“Our goal is to remain true to our roles within the team and concentrate on the process; the outcomes will follow.”
“We have to win the World Cup, and that’s something we keep in the back of our minds, but we don’t let it get to us,” said the reigning champs.
To the best of our abilities, we are getting ready. We are attempting to give it our all and viewing this as a typical contest.
Musheer’s first goal is to win this competition. However, the dreams transcend that. Because of another piece of advice from his father, he usually stays grounded.
“My father has always told me to work hard and not think too much about the future,” he recalls. “There is a lot to achieve.” He advises me to keep my attention on the here and now and the forthcoming matches.
Overthinking the past or the future causes us to lose sight of the present. Our group is also engaged in that activity.
Deep statements from a captivating potential.
India
