SKY coaxed Naushad to watch son’s Test debut

Sarfaraz Khan hugs dad Naushad after getting his Test cap in Rajkot. Pic/PTI

Had it not been for India's limited overs batsman Suryakumar Yadav, Naushad Khan would have had to watch his son Sarfaraz's Test debut innings of 62 against England on his television set at home.

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"I was not feeling well on Wednesday, so I decided to watch the Test on TV. But Surya sent me a message and asked whether I was going to Rajkot. I told him, ‘Surya, I am not going because I am an emotional person. I may cry there and won't be able to control my emotions on the ground. Sarfaraz may see me as well.' Surya messaged again saying, ‘Sir, don't miss this important moment. You must go. Such an opportunity won't come again. It will give you immense pleasure. I too had my family with me for my Test debut [against Australia at Nagpur in February 2023].' I didn't know whether Sarfaraz would play, but there was some hope that he would figure in this match. I realised that Surya's suggestion had merit and decided to go. I managed to get a ticket for a 5.20 pm Rajkot flight," Naushad told mid-day.

He added: "I hardly slept yesterday [Wednesday]. Sarfaraz gave me a match ticket and said, ‘Abu [dad], I will probably play. I was speechless. I immediately shed tears of joy."

Naushad was pleased with the innings despite Sarfaraz missing out on a debut century. "Jitna naseeb me rahta hai, utna hi milta hai [you will get what is in your destiny]. Though Sarfaraz was playing his first match, he played really well. He executed all his shots perfectly. I would like to thank Mumbai Cricket Association, BCCI and all those who supported us in Sarfaraz's journey," Naushad signed off.