The 28-year-old, known for his prolific domestic record, said he feels “very lucky” to don the yellow jersey and be part of a franchise renowned for its calm dressing room atmosphere and winning culture. He called the chance to share the field with Dhoni and other seasoned stars, and to learn from their experience, “a special and personal aspiration fulfilled.”

Reflecting on his recent journey, Sarfaraz acknowledged ups and downs in form and confidence, but credited intense training, focus and consistent performances in domestic cricket for bringing him back into contention. He has recently passed the 5,000-run milestone in first-class cricket and has continued to pile up big scores, reinforcing his status as one of India’s most dependable red-ball batters.

Looking ahead, Sarfaraz said he aims to establish himself as a white-ball player for India, working hard on his power-hitting and adaptability to modern limited-overs demands. He also highlighted the support of his family, including training alongside his younger brother Musheer Khan, which has helped him maintain focus and balance.