Watch: Tears of joy for Sarfaraz Khan's father as son receives Test cap

India batter Sarfaraz Khan’s long wait for a Test cap finally came to an end on Thursday after the Mumbai-born was named in the playing XI of the third match of the series against England. The 26-year-old was handed the Test cap by former India skipper and legendary spinner Anil Kumble ahead of the toss.

From The Huddle!

A Test cap is special!

Words of wisdom from Anil Kumble & Dinesh Karthik that Sarfaraz Khan & Dhruv Jurel will remember for a long time ️ ️

You Can Not Miss This!

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

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

While the Indian players took part in the cap presentation ceremony, Sarfaraz’s father Naushad Khan was seen standing near the sidelines. Naushad Khan was in tears while Sarfaraz collected his India cap.

“Sarfu, really proud of you, the way you have come through. I am sure your dad and your family will be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work,” Kumble said in the team huddle.

“There were some disappointments but despite that, all the runs you have scored through the domestic season – well done to you. I am sure you will have lots of wonderful memories today. (This is the) start of a long career, only 310 people have played before you, and this is for you. Good luck,” he added.

Sarfaraz was also seen wiping off his wife’s happy tears at the venue.

India vs England 3rd Test Day 1 LIVE

Earning an India cap seemed just a matter of time for Sarfaraz who has been in tremendous form in the Ranji Trophy over the last three seasons. Having played 45 first-class matches so far, the right-handed attacking batsman has scored 3912 runs at an impressive average of 69.85. He has notched 14 hundreds and 11 half-centuries during this period and also did a wonderful job for the India ‘A’ against England Lions.

Sarfaraz notched a fifty in the first unofficial Test for India ‘A’ and followed it up with a brilliant 161 in the second game. Sarfaraz was included in the India squad ahead of the second Test against the Ben Stokes-led side. He could not make an appearance after Rajat Patidar got the nod.

England kicked off the Test series on a promising note having won the first game in Hyderabad. The hosts scripted a prompt comeback by winning the next fixture. The third Test is currently being played in Rajkot.

Sarfaraz Khan’s father kissing his son Test debut Cap for India.

– This is emotional moment…!!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z1OYwLbgle

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) February 15, 2024

Exciting times in Test cricket as Sarfaraz Khan makes his debut! A special moment for both him and India.

All the best Sarfaraz Khan #INDvsENGTest #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/xX6PMU1m7P

— (@Zimbu12_) February 15, 2024

After winning the toss in the third Test, Rohit Sharma decided to bat first. “We’ve made four changes. Some injuries, and some guys coming back. Two debutants: Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan. Siraj and Jadeja are back. Axar and Mukesh miss out. Good pitch, better than the last two ones we played in. We know Rajkot is supposed to be a good pitch, will behave differently as the game goes on. Good toss to win,” Rohit said,

“We played well as a group. Guys stood up when they had to last game. The next three games will be as exciting as the first two. You can’t keep the bigger picture in mind. We’ll have to keep the focus on what we can do here and come out on top,” the India captain added.

Apart from Sarfaraz, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel also secured his Test cap in the third match against England. Dinesh Karthik awarded the Team India cap to Jurel.