Sarfaraz Khan, an uncapped Indian batter, talked about his hardships and the long wait for his first Indian call-up. Sarfaraz Khan has been selected for the second Test, which begins on February 2 in Visakhapatnam against England.
Since he was a young child, Sarfaraz’s father Naushad has also served as his coach, inspiring the Mumbai right-hander to persevere through all obstacles. Sarfaraz is overjoyed that he was finally able to accomplish his father’s ambition.
Sarfaraz, who had been pounding on the doors for quite some time, eventually got the opportunity when he was named as one of the substitutes for KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for the match in Vizag. Sarfaraz has scored 556 runs in six games at an average of 92.66 in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy campaign with the help of three centuries.
I had tears in my eyes whenever I used to think about my selection- Sarfaraz Khan
Here is what Sarfaraz Khan had to say about his father in a video that the BCCI posted on their website:
“I had tears in my eyes whenever I used to think about my selection in the team. But my father adviced me, ‘You keep working hard and you will be unstoppable.’ Having self-belief and patience was very important,”
Although Sarfaraz Khan acknowledged that getting into the Test team is a waiting game, the 26-year-old admitted that he would cry a little when he thought about his wait. The Mumbai batter, however, disclosed that he was happier for his father and that he always gave him strength through his words.
“Everyone knows that my father is my coach and my ultimate goal was to not let his hard work on me go to waste. I had the desire to get to play for my country so I am happy that the hard work I put in hasn’t gone in vain,” he added.
India may have to select one player from Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar in their XI for the second Test due to an injury to KL Rahul.
I am happy for my father as I make it to the Indian team- Sarfaraz Khan
In order to soak up the moment, Sarfaraz Khan is not dwelling too much on his chances of making his India debut. He is overjoyed that he was chosen for the Indian team and could finally fulfill his father’s wish.
Sarfaraz commented as follows:
“I am happy for my father too. It’s a proud moment to make it to the Indian team amidst a population of 125 crore people,”
Sarfaraz has undoubtedly demonstrated that he has the abilities to succeed for India at the greatest level. The right-hander has the potential to play a significant role in India’s recovery at this pivotal point in the Test series.