It was my dream to play for the Indian group in entrance of my father: Sarfaraz Khan

The 26-year-old made his Take a look at debut for India in opposition to England on the Saurashtra Cricket Affiliation Stadium in Rajkot on Thursday, February 15. It was a formidable entry to Take a look at cricket for the Mumbai batter as he smashed 62 off 66 balls, hitting 9 fours and a six.

The debutant was trying good for an even bigger rating, however was run out by a direct hit from Mark Wooden following a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja, who was batting on 99. The duo featured in a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket earlier than Sarfaraz’s spectacular debut innings got here to an finish.

Talking at a press convention after the opening day’s play, Sarfaraz opened on what the a lot awaited Take a look at debut meant to him. “Coming to the bottom for the primary time and getting the cap in entrance of my father. I used to be six-years-old when he began my cricket (coaching). It was my dream to play for the Indian group in entrance of him,” he mentioned.

“It was my father’s dream to play for India however sadly it could not occur on account of some causes, there wasn’t a lot assist from residence then. He labored very laborious on me and is now doing the identical with my brother. It was the proudest second of my life. Runs and performances weren’t on my thoughts as a lot as I used to be completely satisfied taking part in for India in entrance of my father,” he added.

The batter additionally revealed that his father was hesitant to return to Rajkot, however lastly determined to go after some individuals insisted. Pictures of Sarfaraz’s father and spouse getting emotional went viral on social media within the morning.

“He was very emotional as I took the cap in entrance of him and so was my spouse. I felt as if some strain was off my shoulders given the laborious work he had put in on me and I didn’t waste it,” the emotional cricketer mentioned.

The debutant needed to wait for a very long time for his flip to bat. Jadeja (110*) was despatched into bat forward of him and added 204 for the fourth wicket with skipper Rohit Sharma (131). Admitting he was nervous when he went into bat, Sarfaraz mentioned, “I used to be padded up for nearly 4 hours (within the dressing room). I stored pondering that I’ve stored a lot endurance in life and there’s no hurt in holding some extra. After I went in, I used to be nervous for the primary few balls however I’ve practiced and labored so laborious that every thing went effectively.”

He additionally downplayed the incident that led to his run-out, stating that such issues are half and parcel of the sport. “It is part of the sport. Miscommunication occurs in cricket. Typically run-out occurs, generally you get the runs.”

India went to stumps on Day 1 in Rajkot at 326/5 after 86 overs with Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav on the crease.

–By A Cricket Correspondent