In a gripping display of skill and determination, debutant Sarfaraz Khan played a sparkling little cameo that showed just why there had been so much hype surrounding him for a decade and more. Coming out to bat after the dismissal of skipper Rohit Sharma in the third Test against England in Rajkot, Sarfaraz played a pivotal role in bolstering India’s position on the first day.
The 26-year-old batsman showcased his mettle by scoring a quickfire 50, reaching the milestone in just 48 balls. His innings was adorned with seven boundaries and a powerful six, leaving spectators in awe of his attacking prowess. Notably, Sarfaraz equalled Hardik Pandya’s record for the fastest fifty on debut, testament to his remarkable entry into Test cricket.
“It is great that the selectors and the team management showed their trust in Sarfaraz Khan,” Chandrakant Pandit, former India cricketer and legend of Mumbai cricket, told RevSportz. “It shows that domestic cricket still holds value. He has done everything he could have done in the domestic circuit and for India A and it all depends on how he continues from this fantastic start that he has had in Test cricket. It was unfortunate that he got run out but he showed he has the ability and hunger to succeed at the highest level. He might not be the batter with perfect technique but he is someone who knows what it takes to score big runs.”
Sarfaraz’s proficiency against England’s spinners was evident as he unleashed a series of exquisite shots, especially the sweeps and lofted punches, capitalising on the opportunities after the fall of Rohit’s wicket. His performance not only added runs to the scoreboard but also injected a fresh sense of energy into the Indian line-up.
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“What stands out in Sarfaraz is his mental strength when he walks out to bat,” said Pandit. “Regardless of whatever is happening outside the field, when he wears his cricket kit, he just knows one thing – score big. That’s why he is in the Indian squad. You look at him playing those sweeps and lofted shots, you can see how comfortable he is with the bat. It’s perfect that he got his debut on Indian soil. If he can score big runs in this series and help India defeat England, then it’ll be perfect.”
The historic moment was significant not just for Sarfaraz, but also his family. His wife, Romana, couldn’t contain her excitement as she enthusiastically applauded her husband’s achievement. Naushad Khan, Sarfaraz’s father, joined in the celebration, and his tears of joy reflected the years of hard work and dedication that led to this proud moment.
Before the match commenced, the father’s dream of a debut for Sarfaraz became a reality as Anil Kumble, leg-spin champion and former coach, presented the 26-year-old with his cap. The emotional scene had Naushad in tears, embracing his son with pride and kissing the Indian badge on his cap. It was a poignant moment that symbolised the culmination of years of effort and sacrifice.
“His father Naushad has been working on both Sarfaraz and Musheer [who was part of the U-19 side that lost the World Cup final to Australia] since their childhood,” said Pandit. “The passion he holds is unmatched. Waking up early morning every day, throwing 1000s of balls to his kids. It may look easy but it isn’t at all, trust me. As much as it is Sarfaraz’s debut, all credit goes to his father.”
Also Read: Sarfaraz Khan – A Test cap a decade in the making