India's star batter Sarfaraz Khan made a remarkable entrance into Test cricket by scoring 62 runs off 66 deliveries during the first day of the third Test against England. His innings featured an impressive tally of nine boundaries and a six. Legendary Anil Kumble handed Sarfaraz Khan his debut cap which left his father Naushad Khan emotional and teary-eyed. Sarfaraz ran to hug his father, whose played a pivotal role in the making of his son.
Beyond his outstanding performance on the field, Sarfaraz experienced another heartwarming moment post-Day 1's play. He received a congratulatory call from his younger brother, Musheer Khan, who recently represented India at the U19 World Cup in 2024.
The BCCI shared the video on their official 'X' account with the caption, "Surprise! Surprise! A special phone call following a memorable Test debut!"
In their conversation, Sarfaraz inquired from his brother Musheer Khan about his performance on Day 1. Musheer expressed that he thoroughly enjoyed watching Sarfaraz's batting throughout the day. Sarfaraz also proudly displayed his Test cap to Musheer, affirming that Musheer too would play for India someday. Additionally, Sarfaraz shared that whenever he faces difficulties in his batting, he draws inspiration by watching Musheer play, given their similar batting styles.
Here's the phonic conversation between Sarfaraz and his brother Musheer:
Sarfaraz: Hello brother, how are you doing?
Musheer: I'm good brother, Well played bhai.
Sarfaraz: Thanks, how's everything on your end? I played well, didn't I?
Musheer: You played excellently, brother. Thoroughly enjoyed watching it. (bhai ek number, maza aa gaya, dil khush ho gaya).
Sarfaraz: One day, you're going to play for India too (tu v ek din inshallah idhar aaega idhar khelne).
Sarfaraz Khan on the sidelines admitted whenever he struggled with the bat he prefers watching Musheer's batting.Musheer: I was a bit concerned, actually.
Sarfaraz: About my sweep shots?
Musheer: Yeah, when you got that top edge while attempting the shot against Joe Root.
Sarfaraz: The fielders were in close.
Musheer: I saw it. And the moment the ball cleared the infield, I knew it was going to be okay.
Sarfaraz: I'll give you a call when I'm back in my hotel room.
Here's the video:
During the conversation, Sarfaraz Khan mentioned how pleasantly surprised he was to speak with his brother. He shared that the conversation made him feel good and noted that while half of his family was in Rajkot, the rest were in Mumbai. Sarfaraz concluded by stating that the day was incredibly memorable and significant in his life.
Apparently Sarfaraz Khan clobbered the joint-second fastest century for India in Tests on debut Yuvraj of Patiala tops the chart with a 42-ball fifty against England in 1934. However, he lost his wicket after a horrible mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja which saw the former getting run out.
Fastest fifties on men's Test debut for India:
42 - Yuvraj of Patiala vs ENG, 1934
48 - Hardik Pandya vs SL, 2017
48 - Sarfaraz Khan vs ENG, 2024
50 - Shikhar Dhawan vs AUS, 2013
56 - Prithvi Shaw vs WI, 2018
Skipper Rohit Sharma's resilient innings of 131 runs from 196 deliveries, coupled with a dazzling century from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (110* off 212 balls) along with Sarfaraz Khan's lightning fifty propelled Team India to a commanding total of 326/5 at the close of play on Day 1 of the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Thursday, February 15.
Musheer Khan emerged as top run scorer in U-19 World Cup
Talking about Musheer Khan's batting, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer in the U19 World Cup 2024, amassing a total of 360 runs across seven matches at an impressive average of 60.00. In addition to his batting prowess, Musheer took seven wickets, demonstrating his considerable talent and potential for inclusion in the Indian national team.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan, who participated in the 2014 U19 World Cup for India, made a name for himself internationally with his ability to execute unconventional shots. Sarfaraz is celebrated for his expertise in playing the sweep and scoop shots, often putting pressure on the opposing bowlers with his aggressive style of play.
Sarfaraz Khan aims to continue employing his distinctive batting approach in the second innings, mirroring the impactful performance from his first innings.
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Sarfaraz Khan reacts to horrible mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja which led to his run-out in 3rd Test, says 'There is nothing...'
'All I wanted was to play international cricket in front of him': Sarfaraz Khan talks about father's sacrifices after dream debut in 3rd Test vs ENG
