Sarfaraz Khan, on Thursday (February 15), finally received his maiden India cap as he was included in the India playing eleven for the third Test against England in Rajkot. India were set to make several changes to the playing eleven for the crucial game due to the unavailability of some players.
While KL Rahul is sidelined with an injury, Shreyas Iyer was dropped from the squad after the second Test. The Indian team management handed a debut not only too Sarfaraz Khan but to wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel as well.
While Sarfaraz Khan replaced Iyer in the team, Jurel replaced underperforming KS Bharat. India made two other changes to the team that won the second Test in Vishakhapatnam. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja replaced Axar Patel while Mohammed Siraj replaced Mukesh Kumar. Jadeja missed the last Test due to a hamstring injury while Siraj was rested.
Sarfaraz Khan’s father in tears:
As Sarfaraz Khan finally got the opportunity to make his debut for Team India, his father Naushad Khan could not control his emotions. He was invited to the field for the cap presentation ceremony. As Sarfaraz Khan received his maiden Test cap, his father’s eyes were filled were tears.
What an emotional moment for Sarfaraz Khan’s father and wife. pic.twitter.com/pDobnH1x0t
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 15, 2024
Earlier this month, Sarfaraz Khan had once again highlighted the role of his father in his career. Speaking after receiving his maiden India call-up, the Mumbai star had said:
“I had tears in my eyes whenever I used to think about my selection in the team. But my father advised me, ‘You keep working hard and you will be unstoppable.’ Having self-belief and patience was very important.”
“Everyone knows that my father is my coach and my ultimate goal was to not let his hard work on me go to waste. I had the desire to get to play for my country so I am happy that the hard work I put in hasn’t gone in vain,” he added while speaking in a video posted by the BCCI.
Meanwhile, the five-match Test series is currently locked at 1-1. England won the series opener by 28 runs before India won the second Test by 106 runs. Talking about the third Test, India have opted to bat first after winning the toss.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
The post Watch- Sarfaraz Khan’s father Naushad Khan breaks down in tears after his son’s Test debut in Rajkot Test appeared first on CricketAddictor.
