Sarfaraz Khan set for Test debut in Rajkot after KL Rahul injury blow

Sarfaraz Khan is reportedly set to get his Test cap in the third Test against England, which gets underway on 15 February (Thursday) in Rajkot. With KL Rahul not getting the all-clear from the BCCI Medical Staff, the Mumbai batter is expected to come into the playing XI.

Sarfaraz had three stellar seasons in domestic cricket where he averaged over 100 runs each year. It was rewarded with a maiden Test call up and if all goes well, a Test cap for the country.

“Sarfaraz will be making his debut. As KL has been ruled out for this Test, Sarfaraz will be getting his first game,” a source confirmed to Indian Express.

Sarfaraz had to play the waiting game in Visakhapatnam with Rajat Patidar getting picked ahead of him after Virat Kohli’s withdrawal from the first two Tests. A day after the selection snub, he scored 161 against England Lions.

“The game is all about patience. If we have to play Test cricket, we have to be patient. In life, there are times when we rush ourselves. I would get emotional about my wait to get into the team. My father always told me that keep working hard and you’ll be unstoppable. Having self belief and patience is very important,” he said on BCCI’s social media on his Test inclusion.

“More than myself, I am happy for my father. In a country that boasts such a huge population, it is a proud feeling to be part of the Indian team,” he added.

The 26-year-old revealed about the day when he found out about his maiden Test call up. “I was getting ready to play the Ranji Trophy. I had kept the India A clothes in the bag and was packing for my Ranji match. I got a call suddenly and got to know that I had been selected (to the Indian team),” he said.

“I didn’t believe it at first. Then I informed everyone at home but my father was not there. I called him at his native place and he also became emotional. My wife, my mother and my father all were emotional. My only dream has been to fulfil his (father) desire to see me playing for the country. After the call up, it does feel like my hard work has paid off and I am very happy,” he added.

Dhruv Jurel is also expected to make his Test debut in Rajkot. The 23-year-old will replace KS Bharat, who despite being good with the gloves has not made a mark with the bat. In the two Test matches, KS Bharat scored 41, 28, 17 and 6 for a combined 92 runs in four innings at an average of 23.