NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has as soon as once more come ahead to applaud younger batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan, whose decided 150-run knock within the second innings of the primary Check towards New Zealand has earned widespread reward.
Kaif emphasised that Sarfaraz’s health shouldn’t be a consider crew choice, saying the younger cricketer’s abilities far outweigh aesthetic expectations.
Referring to a earlier submit about Sarfaraz’s difficult childhood on X (previously Twitter), Kaif wrote, “I’ve at all times maintained Sarfaraz should not be saved out due to health. He does not have a gymnasium physique however can bat for hours. Cricket is a sport that accommodates all.”
Sarfaraz’s gritty century on day 4 of the Bengaluru Check got here as an important rescue act for India, serving to them cut back New Zealand’s first-innings lead and pose a face-saving whole forward of the ultimate day.
The 26-year-old, who was introduced into the taking part in XI as a result of Shubman Gill’s stiff neck, redeemed himself after scoring a duck within the first innings.
His 110-ball century was studded with 13 fours and three sixes, highlighting each his resilience and attacking intent.
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Sarfaraz reached the landmark in model, smashing a boundary off Tim Southee and celebrating with raised arms, sprinting throughout the pitch.
This was Sarfaraz’s maiden Check century. In simply 4 Assessments since debuting towards England earlier this 12 months, he has already racked up a ton together with 4 half-centuries, establishing himself as a promising future star for India.
Sarfaraz’s journey to the Indian Check crew was hard-earned. With distinctive performances in home cricket, the place he boasts a staggering first-class common of 69.09 throughout 51 matches, he pressured the selectors to take discover.
Curiously, Sarfaraz’s innings made him a part of a uncommon feat in cricket—scoring each a duck and a century in the identical Check.
