A long-cherished dream for Sarfaraz Khan and his family came to fruition on Thursday as the Mumbai batter made his international debut. A consistent performer in doemstic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan had to wait for long for his international career to kick-start. When Anil Kumble handed him the Test cap, Sarfaraz Khan's family could not hold back their tears. Sarfaraz Khan then notched his maiden fifty in Test cricket in just 48 balls. He looked primed to play a big knock but then got run out after a horrible mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja.
It happened in an over by James Anderson. Ravindra Jadeja, batting in his 90s, had gone into a shell and drove to mid-on before calling for a single. But realising that a fielder was approaching, he turned down the call but by then Sarfaraz Khan was too far away from the crease.
Sarfaraz looked disappointed and Rohit Sharma could be seen throwing his cap in frustration.
Rohit sharma was not happy with Jadeja.... #INDvsENGTest #INDvENG #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/IixlTG3e7Q
— SadhuWeatherman (@abhiramsirapar2) February 15, 2024While handing over the prestigious Test cap, Kumble said that he was "proud" of Sarfaraz for the way he came through. He added that his dad and the whole family would be "extremely proud" after seeing the 26-year-old playing for India.
The former cricketer also said that it was the start of a long career.
"Sarfaraz, I am really proud of the way you come through, am sure your dad and your family would be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work and disappointments, but despite that all the runs that you have scored through the domestic season. Well done to you. I am sure you will have lots of wonderful memories today. Start of a long career. Only 310 people have played before you, so all the best," Kumble told Sarfaraz.
On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik handed over the first Test cap to Dhruv Jurel and said that it is a "divine and pure" feeling to wear the White jersey and represent India in long-format cricket.
He added when one player performs well in Test cricket, there's "tremendous satisfaction".