Anaya Bangar’s Emotional Reunion With Sarfaraz Khan’s Family Goes Viral: ‘We Held Bats Before Phones’

In a heartwarming moment that tugged at the strings of nostalgia and resilience, Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India allrounder Sanjay Bangar, recently reunited with childhood friend and India Test cricketer Sarfaraz Khan. The bond between the two cricketers, forged on dusty maidans long before smartphones became a staple, was beautifully encapsulated in Anaya’s Instagram post: “We held bats before we held phones. Friends since the beginning.” Accompanied by a series of candid pictures and a video featuring Sarfaraz’s young daughter, Romana Zahoor, the reunion was more than just a casual meet-up—it was a powerful reminder of friendship, identity, and the relentless spirit of those who dare to be themselves.

Musheer Misses Out as Nostalgia Takes Center Stage

Although Sarfaraz’s younger brother Musheer Khan couldn’t join the reunion due to IPL commitments with Punjab Kings, Anaya didn’t forget to tag him: “Missed you @musheerkhan.97.” The gesture further underlined the familial warmth and the deep connections she shares with the Khan household, led by their cricket-obsessed father Naushad Khan, who has coached both his sons into the domestic and international spotlight.

Sarfaraz Khan: Between Highs and Uncertainty

Sarfaraz Khan’s cricketing journey has been as eventful as it has been emotional. Despite a promising Test debut and a commendable highest score of 150, Sarfaraz went unsold at the IPL 2025 auction held in Jeddah. His exclusion from the league remains a talking point, especially considering his domestic dominance and short yet impactful stint with Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Yet, his absence from the IPL has seemingly brought him closer to his roots, both literally and metaphorically, as evident from this reunion.

Anaya Bangar’s Journey: Resilience Beyond the Crease

While the social media posts radiated warmth and childhood camaraderie, Anaya’s story is also one of intense struggle and transformation. Assigned male at birth and formerly known as Aryan Bangar, she began her gender transition in 2023 through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). The shift, although deeply personal and affirming, came with professional sacrifices.

In a candid interview with Lallantop, Anaya revealed the brutal realities she faced after coming out as a transgender woman: “My father was just stating facts—there’s no place for me in cricket. So, I knew I had to take a stand for myself.”

Cricket, Society, and the Silence in Between

The emotional scars run deep. Anaya bravely opened up about facing harassment, exclusion, and even mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts. Her testimony about inappropriate behavior from fellow cricketers—including unsolicited explicit messages and advances—has sparked crucial conversations around gender identity and safety in Indian sports.

“I still had space from my family’s point of view. But it wasn’t there in society, cricket, or the exterior world,” she stated, laying bare the dichotomy between personal support and institutional neglect.