Sarfaraz Khan missed a century on his Test debut but was happy to make his debut for India in red-ball cricket. Sarfaraz Khan became the 311th cricketer to represent India in Tests when Anil Kumble handed him his Test cap ahead of the third game against England in Rajkot.
Sarfaraz Khan was called up to the squad after KL Rahul’s injury before the second Test. Although he didn’t play in that game, with Virat Kohli’s prolonged absence and Rahul’s injury, the Mumbai cricketer made his debut in Rajkot.
During the cap presentation ceremony, Sarfaraz Khan had his family, including his father Naushad Khan, present at the ground. Naushad has played a pivotal role in shaping Sarfaraz’s career, working diligently behind the scenes.
I feel some burden is off my shoulders now- Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz expressed his joy at making his India debut, especially in the presence of his father. He shared that initially, Naushad was hesitant to come to the ground but eventually relented after some persuasion.
“Bahut accha laga (it was amazing), my father was here when I received the cap. It was my dream to play for India in front of him,” Sarfaraz told reporters after Day 1.
“My father wasn’t coming to ground initially. But some people requested him and he came to witness this special moment. I feel some burden is off my shoulders now that I haven’t let my father’s efforts go to waste,” he added.
Sarfaraz Khan’s innings of 62 off 66 balls included a rapid fifty off just 48 deliveries, marking one of the joint-second-fastest fifties by an Indian batter on Test debut. He partnered with Ravindra Jadeja to add 74 runs for the fifth wicket, but a miscommunication between them led to his dismissal, cutting short his impressive innings.
I have kept so much patience, time to keep more- Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan’s wait for his batting turn was prolonged as Rohit Sharma and Jadeja stitched together a colossal 204-run partnership for the fourth wicket, delaying his entrance to the crease. Sarfaraz Khan responded to queries about his patience by stating,
“I was padded for four hours but told myself that I have kept so much patience, time to keep more,”
India reached 326/5 at stumps on Day 1 of the third Test against England. Ravindra Jadeja was unbeaten on 110, while Kuldeep Yadav was at the crease on 1. Skipper Rohit Sharma scored a crucial ton and played his part contributing to India’s total.
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