After toiling hard for years in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan was finally rewarded with his maiden India cap on Thursday (February 15) for the third Test against England in Rajkot. The right-handed batsman was one of the two players who were handed their debut caps for the ongoing Test.
Apart from him, Uttar Pradesh youngster Dhruv Jurel also received his maiden India cap. While Sarfaraz Khan replaced Shreyas Iyer in the playing eleven, Jurel replaced wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat. Both Iyer and Bharat played in the first two Tests of the series but failed to impress with the bat.
Apart from them, India made two other changes to the playing eleven as well. Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second Test due to a hamstring injury, returned to the playing eleven and replaced fellow left-arm spinner Axar Patel. On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the second Test, replaced Mukesh Kumar. Captain Rohit Sharma announced the changes after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
“We’re going to bat first. We’ve made some changes, made four changes. Some injuries and some guys coming back from the last game. Two debutants,” said Rohit Sharma. “Siraj and Jadeja are back. Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar miss out.”
Also Read: Watch- Sarfaraz Khan’s father Naushad Khan breaks down in tears after his son’s Test debut in Rajkot Test
Fans react to Sarfaraz Khan’s debut:
It won’t be wrong to say that not only Sarfaraz Khan but the fans were also eagerly waiting for him to make his debut in Tests. The right-handed batsman has scored heavily in the domestic circuit in recent years and the cricketing fraternity was desperate to see him on the international stage.
In the last three seasons of the Ranji Trophy, he maintained an average of more than 100. Since 2020, he has maintained an average of more than 80 in first-class cricket. He earned his maiden call-up after scoring a sensational century for India A against England Lions. While he was not a part of the original squad, he was added to the team after Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul were ruled out of the second Test due to injuries.
Say hello to #TeamIndia’s Test Debutants
Congratulations Dhruv Jurel & Sarfaraz Khan
Follow the match https://t.co/FM0hVG5X8M#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/OVPtvLXH0V
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024
While he was widely expected to make his debut in the second Test, the Indian team management decided otherwise and handed a debut to Rajat Patidar. However, Sarfaraz Khan finally had his moment on Thursday and the cricketing fraternity was delighted for him. Here are some of the reactions:
If you’ve covered cricket in Mumbai since 2010, you’ve certainly been treated to Naushad Khan’s hospitality & heard about all the sacrifices he’s made & got his family to make to ensure Sarfaraz Khan plays for India. This Test debut is about a son & his devoted father #IndvEng
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 15, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan’s parents when he finally makes his debut pic.twitter.com/88d9QFsgzT
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 15, 2024
#SarfarazKhan #INDvsENGTest
pic.twitter.com/S9gp5ZpjC9
— Babu K (@Babu_K_08) February 15, 2024
‘Cricket is Everyone’s game.’
What a msg from #SarfarazKhan’s Dad #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/E0s6s8ftZW
— Daya sagar (@sagarqinare) February 15, 2024
Finally After all the hard work in domestic Cricket Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel making a debut against England.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Father gets emotional and Can’t Control his tears.This is the best moment for any Cricketer and you live for this moment.Congratulations to both of… pic.twitter.com/O1Wwk2InJu
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) February 15, 2024
15 years ago, he left Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh with his two sons and moved to Mumbai and made every possible effort to make them cricketers. Today sweat turned into tears.#SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/ko9gcsgynf
— Gagan (@1no_aalsi_) February 15, 2024
Years of toil and piling up runs in domestic cricket finally comes to fruition for Sarfaraz and his family! Such a wonderful moment this. #INDvENG #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/b4je12jWEG
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) February 15, 2024
Also Read: India Playing 11 vs England, 3rd Test, 2024
The post “A father and son dream..”- Twitter melts down on Sarfaraz Khan’s debut as father-son duo get emotional appeared first on CricketAddictor.
