‘Light at the end of the tunnel’

It is tough to figure out which course Sarfaraz Khan's international Test career will take, but the first impression would have gladdened thousands of hearts, so much so that father Naushad Khan failed to suppress the outpouring of tears before the start of play for the third Test on Thursday.

The glistening droplets, shimmering with the sheen of joy and pride, bespoke a narrative etched with dedication, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has been the way of life for the Khans. The tears, not born of sorrow but rather a profound elation, stood as a testament to the weight of representing India in whites and the sheer joy derived from achieving a childhood dream.

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"I felt really happy," Sarfaraz told reporters shortly after the match. "Coming to the ground for the first time and got the cap in front of my father. I was six years old when he started my cricket. It was my dream to play for the Indian team in front of him. It was a dream to play for India during his lifetime."

Coming out to bat after skipper Rohit Sharma's departure, Sarfaraz went hammer and tongs and made the most with an attacking 62 to shine on a day of centuries by skipper Sharma (131) and Ravindra Jadeja (110 not out).

The 26-year-old, often criticised for being overweight, has been nudging the doors of selectors for more than three years despite having a first-class average of over 69 in 45 matches and a best of 301 not out. A prolific run-getter in Indian domestic cricket, Sarfaraz was handed his Test cap on Thursday by former captain Anil Kumble with his teary-eyed father and wife looking on.

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As the years rolled on, Sarfaraz and his father would spend most of their evenings thinking about what more the right-handed batter would have to do to convince the national selectors of his Test credentials even after consistently delivering standout performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. Players of his age, and even younger, were given the go-ahead, while Sarfaraz fell prey to the sheer idiocy of selectors acting ignorant time and again.

"Sarfu, really proud of you, the way you have come through. I am sure your dad and your family will be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work," Kumble, also the former national coach, said in the team huddle.

"There were some disappointments but despite that, all the runs you have scored through the domestic season, well done to you. I am sure you will have lots of wonderful memories today. (This is the) start of a long career, only 310 people have played before you, and this is for you. Good luck," he added.

Perhaps, his frequent snubs, rather than a conclusive end, were no less than a turning point, ushering in a new phase of commitment and the promise of brighter days ahead in his cricketing journey.

Sarfaraz has often said he is as hungry for runs as ever despite being left by the wayside on several occasions, and that he always tries to put thoughts of representing India out of his head in the short term. "I had tears in my ears thinking every time that I will get a call now, I will get a call now. My Abbu (father) just told me one thing keep on working hard, no one can stop you. I feel it is very important to have belief and patience," Sarfaraz had said on the sidelines of the second Test in Visakhapatnam.

Sometimes, our challenges pass. Sometimes, it is hard until it is over, but it gets better and life goes on. And this is why, there is always light at the end of the tunnel! Sarfaraz, are you all ears?

(With quotes from PTI)