Though the duo of Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja scored centuries to put India in the driving seat on Day 1 of the third Test against England, it was the debutant Sarfaraz Khan who remained the biggest talking point. After grinding in domestic cricket for years, the biggest moment in Sarfaraz’s career came on Thursday as he earned the India cap from the hands of the legendary Anil Kumble. Before the start of the match, however, even India skipper Rohit Sharma had a heartwarming conversation with Sarfaz’s father who was in attendance as his son realised his dream of representing India.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rohit could be heared congratulating Sarfaraz’s father while also acknowledging the sacrifices he made to help his son become a professional cricketer.
“Everyone knows what you have done, how much sacrifices and hard work you have done for Sarfaraz. Many many Congratulations to both of you,” said Rohit in the video.
A journey that is all heart
Hear from a proud father on a very memorable day for Sarfaraz Khan – By @ameyatilak#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/Imk7OTuSVM
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024
Sarfaraz’s father then told Rohit, “Dhyan rakhana sarfaraz ka sir (Please take care of Sarfaraz sir”). The Indian captain was humble in with his response as he always is saying, “Arrey Bilkul Bilkul (definitely)”.
Sarfaraz’s hard work came to fruition when he smashed a stylish 62 of 66 balls while coming in at number six on his debut. He put on a sparkling show of batting and looked on course to hit a big score.
However, miscommunication with star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the middle cut short his brilliant debut innings as he was run out by Mark Wood at the non-striker’s end. Both the batters build a partnership of 77 runs.
Sarfaraz was asked about the incident during the press conference following the day’s play in Rajkot, and the batter appeared unconcerned.
“There was a little miscommunication. This is part of the game. Sometimes there is a run-out, sometimes there is a run, and sometimes there is not. So all this goes on. He (Jadeja) said that there was a little miscommunication. And I said that it is okay. It happens. There is nothing big in it,” Sarfaraz said during a post-day press conference.
With ANI inputs
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