Sarfaraz Khan First Impressions: Solid technique and brave batting

Sarfaraz Khan had waited for years to make his India debut at the senior level after appearing in back-to-back U-19 World Cups and also making his mark for Mumbai at the senior domestic level as well as for various franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). And when he finally did, it was quite the emotional roller-coaster of a first day in international cricket as he announced himself before the cricketing world in style.

Not only did he fulfill his dream of receiving his maiden cap from the legendary Anil Kumble in front of his father and wife, the ceremony a tear-jerker for many including his dad, Sarfaraz ended up making the most of the opportunity by smashing a 66-ball 62 — bringing up his half-century in just 48 deliveries along the way.

On a day when skipper Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja brought up centuries and shared a mammoth 204-run partnership for the fourth wicket to rescue the Indian team from a perilous position of 33/3, the fact that Sarfaraz’s knock is the biggest talking point just goes to show you how much of an impact the 26-year-old Mumbaikar has made on his first day out in an Indian jersey.

A batting extravaganza from #TeamIndia in Rajkot!