Sarfaraz Khan indicated that New Zealand could struggle to chase the modest 107-run target on the final day of the first Test at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium if India secure early wickets with the pitch breaking down a bit. Scoring his first Test century (150), in what was his fourth appearance at this level, Sarfaraz played a pivotal role in India’s fightback following a first-innings collapse for just 46 runs.
“It felt really good to score a century for my country, fulfilling a childhood dream,” Sarfaraz told reporters at the end of the day’s play on Saturday. “It won’t be easy for New Zealand. The pitch has its challenges; the ball is moving and cutting unpredictably, and there will be turn. If we can get breakthroughs early tomorrow, they might find themselves in a similar spot as we did,” he added.
Sarfaraz’s partnership with Rishabh Pant was instrumental, as they put on 177 runs from just 211 balls, breathing life back into India’s game before the lower-order implosion. Both players, also part of the 2016 U-19 World Cup batch, demonstrated a blend of prudence and aggression that put New Zealand on the defensive. Discussing his time at the crease with Pant, Sarfaraz remarked: “Batting with Pant is enjoyable; runs come quickly when he is on strike. We understand his playing style, so when he is batting, the scoreboard keeps moving. We had good communication out there.”
A light-hearted moment came during the 56th over when a misunderstanding between Sarfaraz and Pant while taking a second run led to a comedic jump from the former to stop Pant, which quickly became fodder for memes on social media. Sarfaraz later explained: “We knew Rishabh was nursing a knee injury and was in some pain today, so we agreed to be cautious with our running. After calling for two, I recalled his condition mid-run, hence my reaction. Thank God, he survived that.”
Throughout his innings, Sarfaraz scored his runs creatively, avoiding the traditional ‘V’ until his 115th run. When asked about this approach, he said: “It wasn’t a deliberate plan. They bowled a lot outside off, making it easier to score elsewhere. I wasn’t consciously avoiding the middle; I was just focused on scoring, however it came.”
Despite scoring three half-centuries against England, Sarfaraz had to wait on the sidelines due to team dynamics. On maintaining motivation, he said: “I stick to my routines and focus on what I can control. I continue doing what has worked for me over the years, keeping up with my practice, and fulfilling my team’s expectations. Conversations with my father also keep me motivated. Nothing changes in my approach.”