Sarfaraz was in line for debut ever since India lost the services of KL Rahul for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test
India's Sarfaraz Khan celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the first day of the third Test cricket match between India and England (Pic: AFP)
- Emotions surged to unprecedented levels in Team India`s huddle on Thursday morning
- His brilliance on domestic circuit for Mumbai has consistently left an indelible mark
- Sarfaraz was in line for debut ever since India lost the services of KL for the 3rd Test
Emotions surged to unprecedented levels in Team India's huddle on Thursday morning minutes after prolific domestic batter Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel were handed their Test caps on debut before the side took the field for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whether it be his graceful batting strokes, strategic gameplay, or ingenious fielding maneuvers, Sarfaraz's brilliance on the domestic circuit for Mumbai has consistently left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape but the 26-year-old has had to wait for his chance to break into the Indian Test side.
Having received his maiden India call-up earlier in the ongoing series, Sarfaraz was in line for debut ever since India lost the services of KL Rahul for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test and also given that his Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer lost his spot and Virat Kohli is unavailable.
The right-handed Sarfaraz was presented his cap by former India captain and most successful Test bowler Anil Kumble.
"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.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma eclipses Sourav Ganguly with record century in Rajkot
"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.
Sarfaraz was later seen showing his India cap to his father and coach Naushad Khan who was overwhelmed with emotions and broke down. He was also seen wiping off his wife's happy tears at the venue. Watch the video below:
A journey that is all heart 🫶🥹
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024
Hear from a proud father on a very memorable day for Sarfaraz Khan 🤗 - By @ameyatilak#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/Imk7OTuSVM
Meawhile, skipper Rohit Sharma hit a gritty unbeaten century as India eyed a big total after a top-order stutter. Sharma registered his 11th Test century soon after the tea break as India reached 190-3 in 53 overs, along with the left-handed Ravindra Jadeja, who was then on 68. The duo lifted India from 33-3 and put on 157 runs for the hosts' first century partnership in the five-match series, which is level at 1-1. The pair combined the right dose of caution and aggression to thwart the England attack in a wicketless second session.
(With agency inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
