Sarfaraz Khan's Father Exclusive: Just before the start of the third Test match between India and England in Rajkot, when the legendary Anil Kumble handed Sarfaraz Khan his first Test cap, he couldn't hold back his tears. Sarfaraz Khan's wife, who standing beside him, also appeared emotional on seeing his husband donning Indian jersey. After receiving the debut cap Sarfaraz immediately ran to his father Naushad and gave him a warm hug to the man who played an instrumental role in the making of India's run-machine.
Sarfaraz Khan's spectacular debut
Sarfaraz made a spectacular debut for his India and played a knock to remember. As soon as Rohit Sharma got dismissed after belting a century, Sarfaraz walked onto the field amid a huge round of applause from spectators. What Sarfaraz did next left everyone stunned as he blasted a cracking half-century in just 48 balls in his lightning knock. He took England bowlers to cleaners and belted them all around the park. The English bowlers were left baffled and clueless as to where to bowl Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz Khan falls prey to horrible run-out
However, a miscommunication between Sarfaraz and Ravindra Jadeja, saw the former falling prey to a horrible mix-up resulting in his run out at a score of 62. Sarfaraz returned to the pavilion with a heavy heart after scoring 62 runs off 66 balls.
Naushad Khan opens up on son Sarfaraz's dream knock
Sarfaraz Khan's father Naushad was caught in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, where he discussed many important aspects regarding his son's first match.
In a conversation with Sports Tak, Sarfaraz's father highlighted how big a day it was for him, his family and his son.
Here's are the excerpts from Naushad's interview:
Question: You've devoted your entire life to Sarfaraz's career?
Answer: "See, every parent does what they can for their son. It was his fate that he got a coach in his father. That's why I gave him more time. Otherwise, there are no parents who wouldn't do everything possible for their child. Everyone works hard for their son, and I'm just one of them.
Suryakumar told Naushad to watch Sarfaraz batting from stands
Question: "Were you not going to come to the field today?"
Answer: "Yes, you're absolutely right. I wasn't going to come to the field today to watch my son's match. But Suryakumar Yadav insisted me to do so. I wasn't feeling well, and I hadn't decided to come until yesterday. Then, Surya messaged me asking, 'Sir, are you going?' I told Surya that I didn't want to get emotional seeing him because he loves me dearly. I hoped he would get his Test cap, but I wasn't 100% sure. Surya explained to me that this moment in your life won't come again. I had taken my parents to my debut match, and they stood right beside the rope. Surya explained it very well to me. I wanted Sarfaraz's mother to come too, but I could only get one ticket to Rajkot, so I came."
Question: Would you have regretted not coming?
Answer: "Such things happen in dreams, and I've achieved that. I want to thank everyone for supporting Sarfaraz. I don't want to name just one or two or four people because others might feel bad. So, I want to thank everyone. Many people have supported me and my son on this journey, which is fantastic.
Question: "You seemed very emotional during the Test cap ceremony, what did you say to your son?"
Answer: "We have practiced a lot, Sarfaraz and I. So, when the match comes, you don't have to think too much because your hard work is behind you. We had done day-long camps in Bombay and practiced with bowlers. So, there wasn't much conversation.
Question: "Are you happy with your son's innings and what do you say about the run-out?"
Answer: "See, it's about the team. Sometimes someone gets run-out, sometimes someone gets out in another way. It's part of the game. So, I don't want to blame anyone for it. It was in his fate to do so today on the Rajkot field, and he did. Effort and hard work are in our hands. If we have your support next time, he will play the same way.
Question: "What would you say about your younger son, Musheer Khan?"
Answer: "The preparation of both my sons is the same. Musheer was a batter before Sarfaraz because he opens the batting. There's no stone left unturned in their preparations. Sarfaraz has come this far with hard work, and Musheer is also well on his way to get there. He is still filling his bag of experience."
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
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
