As Sarfaraz Khan dominated the headlines since yesterday, his father, Naushad Khan, initially hesitated to witness his son’s Test debut in Rajkot. However, a touching message from Suryakumar Yadav changed his mind. Sarfaraz marked his Test debut against England at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium on Thursday, February 15. An emotional scene unfolded as Anil Kumble presented Sarfaraz with his Test cap, leaving Naushad in tears.
Sarfaraz, true to his potential, dazzled on his debut, as he smashed a fearless 62 off just 66 balls. His innings comprised nine boundaries and a six, that left spectators awestruck. Naushad credited Suryakumar for persuading him to be present for this significant occasion. Touched by Suryakumar’s message, Naushad hastily arranged his travel to Rajkot, unable to contain his emotions. He even shared Suryakumar’s heartfelt message.
“Initially, I thought I wouldn’t come as that would put Sarfaraz in some kind of pressure, and apart from that I also had a bit of a cold. But Surya’s message almost made me melt. After this message from Surya, I couldn’t stop myself from coming. Just took a pill and came here yesterday,” said Naushad as quoted by NDTV Sports.
Suryakumar Yadav’s message to Naushad read:
“I do understand your emotions. But trust me, when I made my Test debut (last year in March against Australia in Nagpur) and was receiving my Test cap, my father and mother were just behind. And that moment was something beyond special. These moments don’t come too often. So I would suggest that you must go,” Yadav said as conveyed by Sarfaraz’s father.
It was my dream to play for the Indian team in front of him: Sarfaraz
Addressing reporters after the day’s play in Rajkot, Sarfaraz expressed joy in realising his childhood aspiration of representing India with his father watching. He emphasized that scoring runs mattered less to him than donning the national colours in his father’s presence. Unfortunately, his debut Test innings concluded with a run-out, stemming from a miscommunication with Ravindra Jadeja. Despite the dismissal, he cherished the opportunity to play for his country in such a significant moment.
“Coming to the ground for the first time and getting the cap in front of my father. I was six years old when he started my cricket (training). It was my dream to play for the Indian team in front of him. Runs and performances were not on my mind as much as I was happy playing for India in front of my father… He was very emotional as I took the cap in front of him and so was my wife. I felt as if some pressure was off my shoulders given the hard work he had put in on me and I did not waste it,” said Sarfaraz.