Sarfaraz Khan’s father shared an inspiring shayari after the BCCI recalled the middle-order batter to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. The right-handed batter earned another chance to represent India following a long wait, with his family celebrating his return to the national setup.
Sarfaraz Khan returns to India’s Test squad after nearly two years away from international cricket. He last played against New Zealand in November 2024, scoring 150 in the first Test at Bengaluru. Sarfaraz was part of the Australia tour but did not feature in any match before missing the subsequent series.
Naushad Khan Shares Emotional Shayari After Sarfaraz Khan's Recall
Sarfaraz Khan’s recall to the India Test squad brought an emotional reaction from his father, Naushad Khan. Naushad, who is also a mentor to Sarfaraz throughout his career, shared a shayari on Instagram after the BCCI named his son as Sai Sudharsan’s replacement.
"Bhale nikla hai kai raato ke baad suraj, bhale nikla hai kai raato ke baad, lekin mehnat ko milta hai hamesha kismat ka sath (The sun may have risen after many nights, but destiny favors hard work)."
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Sarfaraz has joined the Indian squad in Colombo ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The first Test will begin in Galle on August 15. Sai Sudharsan was ruled out after suffering a right toe stress reaction.
Dodda Ganesh Says Sarfaraz Khan Deserved Test Recall
Former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh also welcomed Sarfaraz Khan’s return to the Test squad. He took to X after the announcement and said the Mumbai batter deserved another opportunity at the international level.
“Very happy for Sarfaraz Khan. He deserved to be in the Test squad.”
Sarfaraz last played for India during the 2024 home series against New Zealand, which ended in a 3-0 whitewash. He scored his maiden Test century in the opening match in Bengaluru, adding 150 off 195 balls in India's second innings.
However, Sarfaraz could not maintain his form in the remaining matches and was subsequently dropped. He finished the series with 171 runs in six innings. Overall, he has played six Tests for India, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10, with one century and three half-centuries.
India Begin Sri Lanka Tour With Six-Wicket Win in Warm-Up Game
India, led by Shubman Gill, began their Sri Lanka tour with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI in the three-day warm-up game at the NCC Ground in Colombo. The match ended on Sunday, August 9, with India getting valuable practice ahead of the Test series.
SLC XI posted 363/8 declared in their first innings after 90 overs. India responded with 357/6 declared, with Devdutt Padikkal leading the way with an unbeaten 142 off 164 balls, including 18 fours.
SLC XI then declared their second innings at 200/6 after 45 overs, leaving India with 207 runs to win. Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 61 off 46 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes before retiring out.
India eventually reached 214/4 in 45 overs to complete a six-wicket victory. The visitors got a positive start to their preparations before the two-match Test series, which begins in Galle on August 15.
