After ending the first two matches, India and England met for the third Test in Rajkot. The series is leveled up. Both teams registered one win each. Before heading to the third Test, Team India underwent many changes. KL Rahul missed out on the third Test due to an injury. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel made their debut in the game. Sarfaraz Khan’s father got emotional while he was receiving his maiden Test cap.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Struggle
After three exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons marked by Sarfaraz’s effortless centuries and a brief challenge to Don Bradman’s first-class average, his swashbuckling 150+ against the England Lions for India A showcased his prowess. Surprisingly, despite these performances, he remained overlooked, missing out on selection for India’s home series against Australia and even when Virat Kohli withdrew from the initial squad for the first two Tests against England. The selectors opted for Rajat Patidar instead. Despite the setbacks, Sarfaraz Khan’s resilience and determination to overcome the odds would soon see him don the Test cap, marking a significant moment in his journey filled with hard work and impressive batting displays.
Sarfaraz, designated to bat at No.5, a position he has dominantly occupied in first-class cricket, showcasing an impressive average of 69.85 in 45 matches for Mumbai, found himself waiting as Ravindra Jadeja took precedence. Despite his consistency, when India faced early setbacks losing three wickets in the first hour of play, the team management opted for Jadeja to go in first, delaying Sarfaraz’s entry into the crease during the initial phase of the game.
Emotions Unfolded
Emotional moments unfolded at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot just before the India vs England third Test. Anil Kumble, the iconic former India cricketer, presented Sarfaraz Khan with his Test cap, creating a poignant scene. Moments before the toss, with the Indian team applauding, Kumble shared words of encouragement. Sarfaraz’s father, Naushad, standing on the sidelines, couldn’t contain his emotions during this heartwarming episode.
Immediately after Kumble presented the cap to Sarfaraz, the young right-handed batter rushed towards his emotional father. Tearfully, Naushad accepted the cap from his son, planting a kiss on the badge. This poignant moment marked the realization of a dream that the father had envisioned, and nurtured, and the son had achieved through years of dedicated hard work and numerous outstanding batting displays.
Sarfaraz gently wiped away the tears from his father’s cheeks and embraced him warmly. Despite the overwhelming emotions, he managed to keep his composure well, understanding that this significant moment was just the beginning of the journey ahead.
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