Middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan’s father Naushad Khan was invited to the commentary box after his son was handed his Test debut cap ahead of the third Test against England in Rajkot.
Naushad got emotional after seeing this. He was also invited to the commentary box by former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra. He asked did you wait for too long to see Sarfaraz making his debut?
Sarfaraz Khan’s father response
“Raat ko waqt chahiye guzarne ke liye, lekin Suraj meri marzi se nahi nikalne wala (it takes time for the night to pass, the sun is not going to rise according to my wish)," said Naushad.
In 45 first-class matches, Sarfaraz Khan boasts an impressive average of 69.85, accumulating 3,912 runs with 14 centuries and 11 half-centuries. However, he had been overlooked for selection in the side. With KL Rahul ruled out of the second Test match, Sarfaraz was called in as a replacement but did not get a chance to play. However, Rahul was also absent for the third Test and Shreyas Iyer dropped, the batter finally made his long-awaited Test debut.
India fielded two debutants in the third Test which include Sarfaraz and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who replaced KS Bharat in the playing eleven.
Sarfaraz's father and wife were present in the stadium and invited onto the field for the youngster's cap presentation ceremony. He received his Test cap from legendary Indian spinner and former captain, Anil Kumble.
As his son received the cap, Sarfaraz's father was visibly emotional, seeing his 26-year-old son finally getting an opportunity to play for the Indian cricket team after years of consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Anil Kumble's golden words for Sarfaraz
"Sarfu, really proud of you, the way you have come through. I am sure your dad and family will be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve", Kumble said.
“I know you have done all the hard work, there were some disappointments but despite that, all the runs you've scored through the domestic season, well done to you. And I am sure you'll have lots of wonderful memories today. It's the start of a long career, only 310 people have played before you. All the best", Kumble added.
India playing XI for the Third Test
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.
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