'It was my dream to play in front of him': Sarfaraz Khan on making senior India debut in his father's presence

Sarfaraz Khan enjoyed an excellent start to his senior India career after he made his debut in the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot on Thursday. And it was an emotional moment for Sarfaraz Khan’s father when his son was handed his Test cap by the legendary Anil Kumble. Sarfaraz said that his dream of playing for India in front of his father finally came true. “Bahut accha laga, my father was here when I received the cap. It was my dream to play for India in front of him,” Sarfaraz told reporters during a press conference after end of Day 1 in Rajkot.

Sarfaraz went onto add that he was glad that his father’s efforts of helping him develop into a professional cricketer did not go waste. “My father wasn’t coming to ground initially. But some people requested him and he came to witness this special moment. I feel some burden is off my shoulders now that I haven’t let my father’s efforts go waste,” said the 26-year-old.

Sarfaraz, who scored a 48-ball fifty, was involved in a 77-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket. The right-handed batter complimented Jadeja’s support, and although he felt nervous at first, he overcame that feeling without much fuss. “I told Jaddu bhai to keep talking to me while I bat since I like talking while batting. He supported me a lot today while batting. There was nervousness early on but it felt normal after that,” added Sarfaraz.

Sarfaraz continued, saying that he took advantage of most of he loose deliveries he faced. “Jab jab loose ball mili mai bindaas khela,” he said. Sarfaraz did not get the opportunity to walk out to bat until after tea, and although he admitted that he was padded up for four hours, he did not lose patience.

“I was padded for four hours but told myself that I have kept so much patience, time to keep more,” commented the Mumbai-born cricketer. At stumps on Day 1, India were  26/5 following centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. Sarfaraz was dismissed for 62 after being run-out by Mark Wood. Jadeja, meanwhile, is unbeaten on 110 with Kuldeep Yadav (1*) at the other end.

The five-match series is currently level at 1-1.