Former Indian captain and coach Anil Kumble shared words of encouragement while handing over the Test cap to Sarfaraz Khan. Anil Kumble praised Sarfaraz Khan for his hard work in domestic cricket and expressed confidence in his future success.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is currently taking on the England team in the third Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The five-match series is balanced with each team winning one match, making the ongoing encounter crucial for both sides.

Sarfaraz Khan receives Test cap from Anil Kumble

Sarfaraz Khan faced repeated omissions from selectors in the past, despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket. The young batsman expressed his frustration over the selectors’ decisions. It earned him his first international opportunity during the third Test.

The 26-year-old batsman replaced Shreyas Iyer in India’s XI for the third Test match in Rajkot. The Mumbai cricketer received his Test cap from the legendary Anil Kumble. He became the 311th cricketer to represent the Indian cricket team in Tests.

Watch: Really Proud of You – Anil Kumble to Sarfaraz Khan

In a video shared by the BCCI, Anil Kumble praised Sarfaraz KhanHis dedication and resilience on his path to winning his Test cap, highlighting the honor of joining a select group of just 310 players.

“Sarfu, I am very proud of you, for the way you have overcome it. I’m sure your dad and your family will be extremely proud of what you’ve been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work, there were some disappointments but despite that, all the runs you have scored during the domestic season, congratulations. And I am sure that you will have many wonderful memories today. It’s the beginning of a long career, only 310 people have played before you. All the best,” Kumble said.

Of the meeting! 🔊

A test cap is special! 🫡

Wise words from Anil Kumble and Dinesh Karthik that Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel will remember for a long time 🗣️ 🗣️

You can not lose this!

Follow the game ▶️ https://t.co/FM0hVG5X8M#TeamIndia | #INVENGE | @dhruvjurel21 |… pic.twitter.com/mVptzhW1v7

-BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

The young cricketer has shown remarkable consistency in first-class cricket, amassing nearly 4,000 runs at an average of 69.85 in 45 matches. He also excelled in unofficial Tests against the England Lions, scoring 161 runs in the second match.

Rohit Sharma smashes a half-century in India’s first innings

India made four changes to their starting line-up, with the return of Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja, accompanied by debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Shreyas Iyer and KS Bharat were dropped from the XI.

Team India’s top order collapsed in the face of England’s attack, leaving them at 33-3. However, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted to number 5, stabilized India’s innings. Sharma’s resilient half-century guided India to 93-3 at the end of the first session.

Mark Wood replaced Shoaib Bashir and made an impact by taking the first wickets including Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) and Shubman Gill (5). Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley managed to dismiss Rajat Patidar who contributed only 5 runs to the scoreboard.

India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson

Also Read: Watch: Sarfaraz Khan’s wife breaks down in tears as young batsman receives his Test cap in Rajkot.