‘Never give up hope’: Naushad Khan on son Sarfaraz’s memorable international debut at Rajkot

Sarfaraz Khan’s father Naushad was overwhelmed following his son’s senior India debut during the third Test against England in Rajkot on Thursday.  The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of Naushad talking on the 6-year-old”s debut. “A journey that is all heart, Hear from a proud father on a very memorable day for Sarfaraz Khan,” the post read.

“When I used to work very hard I used to think why are my dreams not coming true in front of my eyes? However, my thoughts have now changed after [Sarfaraz] received the cap for all the kids who are working very hard,” Naushad could be heard saying in the video.

Also read | Sarfaraz Khan on making senior India debut in his father’s presence

“The sun will rise according to its time. Things will happen at the right time. Our work is to work hard, be patient and never give up hope,” Naushad added.

A journey that is all heart

Hear from a proud father on a very memorable day for Sarfaraz Khan – By @ameyatilak#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/Imk7OTuSVM

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

Sarfaraz’s journey to making his debut for India had always been so close, yet a little far from actually happening. Sarfaraz has been a star performer for a few years now in the domestic circuit. In first-class cricket, the Mumbai-born batter has been in stupendous form in recent times.

Sarfaraz kicked off his international journey on a promising note having scored a blistering half-century against England on the opening day of the third Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

Sarfaraz impressed in his first Test outing scoring a quickfire 62 off 66 balls. A costly mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja resulted in Sarfaraz’s dismissal. His power-packed knock comprised nine boundaries and two sixes.

Jadeja, playing in front of his home crowd, remained unbeaten having scored a magnificent hundred. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 110 at the end of the first day’s play. India skipper Rohit Sharma was also in fine form as he played a vital knock of 131 to earn a solid advantage for the hosts. India ended the day’s play at 326 at the loss of five wickets.