After toiling for years in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan was finally rewarded with his first international cap for India on Thursday (February 15) for the third Test against England in Rajkot. The right-handed batsman was one of the two players who were handed their international debut for the ongoing Test.
Apart from him, Uttar Pradesh youngster Dhruv Jurel also received his first India cap. While Sarfaraz Khan replaced Shreyas Iyer in the playing XI, Jurel replaced wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat. Both Iyer and Bharat played in the first two Tests of the series but failed to impress with the bat.
Apart from them, India also made two other changes in the playing eleven. Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second Test due to a hamstring injury, returned to the playing eleven and replaced fellow left-arm spinner Axar Patel. On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the second Test, replaced Mukesh Kumar. Captain Rohit Sharma announced the changes after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
“Let’s bat first. We made some changes, we made four changes. Some injuries and some guys returning from the last game. Two debutants,” said Rohit Sharma. “Siraj and Jadeja are back. Axar Patel and Mukesh Kumar are missing out.”
Fans react to Sarfaraz Khan’s debut:
It will not be wrong to say that not only Sarfaraz Khan but also the fans were eagerly waiting for him to make his Test debut. The right-handed batsman has scored a lot on the domestic circuit in the last few years and the cricket fraternity was desperate to see him on the international stage.
In the last three Ranji Trophy seasons he maintained an average above 100. Since 2020, he maintains an average above 80 in first-class cricket. He earned his first call-up after scoring a sensational century for India A against the England Lions. While he was not part of the original team, he was added to the team after Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul were ruled out of the second Test due to injuries.
Say hello to #TeamIndia’s Test debutants 👋
Congratulations Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan 👏👏
Follow the game ▶️ | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/OVPtvLXH0V
– BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024
While he was expected to make his debut in the second Test, the Indian team management decided otherwise and handed the debut to Rajat Patidar. However, Sarfaraz Khan finally got his moment on Thursday and the cricket fraternity was delighted for him. These are some of the reactions:
If you have covered cricket in Mumbai since 2010, you have surely enjoyed Naushad Khan’s hospitality and heard about all the sacrifices he has made and the sacrifices his family has made to ensure Sarfaraz Khan plays for India. The debut of this test is about a son and his devoted father #IndvEng
– Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 15, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan’s parents when he finally makes his debut pic.twitter.com/88d9QFsgzT
– Sagar (@sagarcasm) February 15, 2024
🥹#SarfarazKhan #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/S9gp5ZpjC9
– Babu K (@Babu_K_08) February 15, 2024
“Cricket is everyone’s game.”
What a message from #SarfarazKhan’s dad 🫶🏼#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/E0s6s8ftZW
– Daya sagar (@sagarqinare) February 15, 2024
Finally, after all the hard work in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel debuted against England.
Sarfaraz Khan’s father gets emotional and cannot control his tears. This is the best moment for any cricketer and you live for this moment. Congratulations to both… pic.twitter.com/O1Wwk2InJu
– Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) February 15, 2024
15 years ago, he left Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh with his two sons and moved to Mumbai and did his best to make them cricketers. Today the sweat turned into tears.#SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/ko9gcsgynf
– Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) February 15, 2024
Years of hard work and accumulation of careers in domestic cricket finally pay off for Sarfaraz and his family! What a wonderful moment this is. 👏#INDvENG #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/b4je12jWEG
– Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) February 15, 2024
