Sarfaraz Khan's father, Naushad Khan, came up with a brilliant response to his son's Test debut on Day 1 of the ongoing third Test against England at Niranjan Shah Stadium (formerly SCA Stadium) in Rajkot on Thursday, Febraury 15.
Sarfaraz received his debut Test cap from former India spin bowling legend Anil Kumble before the commencement of the Rajkot Test. The 25-year-old became the 311th player to represent Team India in Test Cricket. While Sarfaran Khan was receiving his Test cap, emotional father Naushad Khan and wife Romana Zahoor were proudly watching it on the sidelines.
During the first session, Naushad Khan made his commentary debut and offered a poetic reply to encapsulate his wait for the son to make his international debut for Team India.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra asked Naushad, "Did you wait for too long to see Sarfaraz Khan making his debut?"
Sarfaraz Khan's father replied, "Raat ko waqt chahiye guzarne ke liye, lekin Suraj meri marzi se nahi nikalne wala." (The night needs time to pass, but the sun won't rise as per my wish)
Naushad Khan was the happiest person when Sarfaraz Khan received the maiden India call-up after KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the second Test in Vizag. However, it was an emotional moment for a father to witness his son receiving Test cap that marks his career in an international career.
Sarfaraz Khan getting his Test cap was culmination of his consistent performances in domestic cricket over the last few years. Alongside 26-year-old Mumbai cricketer, Dhruv Jurel too received his Test cap, making him 312th player to play for India in this format
Sarfaraz Khan scored fifty in his debut Test innings
Sarfaraz Khan kicked off his Test debut with a half-century in his first innings of the ongoing Rajkot Test against England. The 26-year-old walked out to bat after skipper Rohit Sharma's dismissal at 237/4.
Sarfaraz looked calm and composed while facing England bowlers rather than being under pressure on his international debut. The youngster managed to replicate his domestic form in his first Test innings against England.
The right-handed resorted to an aggressive batting approach and brought up his maiden Test fifty in just 48 balls. With this, Khan became the joint-fastest Indian player alongside Hardik Pandya to score fifty on Test fifty. As soon as he reached fifty, Sarfaraz received standing ovation not just from his father and wife but also from crowd in Rajkot.
