Sarfaraz Khan discloses Virat Kohli's special advice during crucial partnership in 1st Test vs NZ, says '...that gave me a lot of confidence'

Sarfaraz Khan revealed Virat Kohli's crucial advice on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand which gave him a lot of confidence to take India out from the state of bother.

Sports Tak

• Sun • 20 Oct 2024

India's Virat Kohli (left) and Sarfaraz Khan in this frame

Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan

Highlights:

Sarfaraz Khan talked about the conversation between him and Virat Kohli on Day 3 of 1st Test against New Zealand

Kohli's advice helped Sarfaraz Khan go on to play a stellar 150-run knock in India's losing cause.

Batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan has disclosed that Virat Kohli encouraged him to play freely and back his shots during their crucial 136-run partnership on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz's magnificent 150-run knock, alongside a gritty 99 from Rishabh Pant, helped India recover from a perilous position. However, despite the duo's batting bravado India could only hand New Zealand an easy target of 107 runs, as even a colossal second innings total of 462 runs couldn't make up for their first essay's 46 all-out horror.

In a video shared by the BCCI, the 26-year-old expressed his excitement about the day, calling it a dream come true. Sarfaraz revealed how Kohli's advice and a strategic approach with Pant enabled them to guide India out of trouble.

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My dream was to score a hundred for India and it came true: Sarfaraz Khan

When Sarfaraz joined Kohli at the crease, India were struggling at 95/2. The duo formed a crucial partnership, adding 136 runs for the third wicket before Kohli's dismissal on the final ball of the day.

"It felt very good. When I was celebrating my century it felt like the grass was blue, not green. It felt like I was in the sky. I was so happy. My dream was to score a hundred for India and it came true," Sarfaraz said while speaking to BCCI.

Following Kohli's 70-run know was cut short Glenn Phillips, Pant joined Sarfaraz at the crease on the morning of the fourth day. Together, they continued to torment the New Zealand bowlers, adding a further 177 runs for the third wicket and ensuring India's safety.

"Me and Rishabh play aggressive cricket. Both play attacking cricket and we were talking in the middle that we would help each other," Sarfaraz added.

'Back your shots, play freely' were Kohli's words for Sarfaraz

Sarfaraz provided further details about his conversation with Kohli during their innings. The two players have previously shared the dressing room at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

"I have watched Virat Kohli since childhood and I always wanted to play with him. That dream came true in RCB, but to play with him in the Indian team was special. He kept saying 'Back your shots, play freely' and he gave me a lot of confidence," Sarfaraz concluded.

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Watch the video here

India and New Zealand will be up against each other yet again in the second Test which will start from October 24.