Sarfaraz Khan had a remarkable start in Test cricket during the 3rd Test against England. His impressive 62 runs scored off 66 deliveries on the first day at Niranjan Shah Stadium amazed the fans. Naushad Khan became emotional and shed tears when his son, Sarfaraz Khan, handed him the test cap, fulfilling a long-held ambition. Sarfaraz’s father admitted to being strict with him while raising him when reflecting on their journey together.
The Mumbai batsman’s exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy did not result in a national team selection for many years. Fortunately, the absence of key players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer created an opportunity for him to join the Indian team. His aggressive batting technique and skill against spin bowlers stood out, especially while playing at home.
“I have been stern with him, but it was justified.” Naushad explained that he let him sleep without food to make him understand the experience of those sleeping on the pavement. Despite having a car, he made him travel by train to expose him to the challenges of life.
“My dream was that he would accomplish what I could not.” It felt as though I represented the test cap via him. He has been under strict discipline since his boyhood. He has never flown kites or socialized with his friends. He would rise early each morning to attend practice. He would later come back home in the evening and continue practicing. Upon receiving the cap, he believed it was worth it,” he continued.
Sarfaraz Khan admits that wearing an Indian cap was his top objective.
Sarfaraz Khan tragically met an early demise due to a run-out on the first day, although he had already made a lasting impression on Indian cricket fans. He revealed to the media after the Rajkot Test that wearing the traditional white cricket uniform for India had been his lifetime dream. He thanked his father, his childhood tutor, for helping him through the challenges of the game with tremendous devotion. He also felt relieved, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders after making his Test debut.
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