"Sarfaraz Khan's role model should be Yashasvi Jaiswal" - Mohammad Kaif ignores Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif offered advice to young batter Sarfaraz Khan after his Test debut for India. Mohammad Kaif stated that Sarfaraz Khan should make Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a brilliant hundred on his Test debut, as his role model.

Sarfaraz was handed his Test debut ahead of the third match against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The 26-year-old made the most of the opportunity and scored a blistering half-century before being dismissed in the first innings.

The Mumbai batter scored 62 runs off 66 balls, including nine fours and a six. He seemed to be in good form until the mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja led to his run-out. Jadeja’s misjudgment of a single left Sarfaraz stranded, ending Khan’s promising innings prematurely.

Sarfaraz Khan’s Role Model Should Be Yashasvi Jaiswal – Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif stated that Sarfaraz Khan has worked hard to earn his opportunity with his brilliant first-class performance over the past few years. Kaif advised Sarfaraz to emulate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s approach in cementing his place in the Test team.

“Sarfaraz’s role model should be Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made the most of the opportunity and secured his place in the Test team. He scored hundreds, and double hundreds when he got the chance and ensured that no one could drop him.”

“Sarfaraz should also look to play with the same mindset, make the opportunity count and play good knocks. Also, there are lesser expectations from the player who’s making his debut. He should look to take a leaf out of Jaiswal’s book and do what’s in his hands i.e. score runs,” Kaif said, as quoted by ANI.

Well-Deserved India Debut For Sarfaraz Khan – Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif said that it is a well-deserved India debut for Sarfaraz Khan, citing his impressive first-class average. The former Indian batter stated that the opportunity came at the right time for Sarfaraz in the Indian team.

“It is a well-deserved India debut for Sarfaraz he’s worked hard to earn that India cap. His first-class average is the sixth-best among Indian batters which is commendable. He’s got the opportunity just at the right time,” Kaif further stated.

Sarfaraz Khan boasts an impressive record in first-class cricket, scoring 3,912 runs at an outstanding average of 69.85 across 45 matches. The 26-year-old batter smashed 11 centuries and 11 half-centuries, with a best score of unbeaten 301 runs in red-ball cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja Manages To Add Two Runs To Overnight Score

India began Day 2 at 326-5, with hopes for Ravindra Jadeja to continue his overnight performance. However, Kuldeep Yadav fell early, scoring just four runs in the first innings. Jadeja was dismissed by part-time spinner Joe Root, adding only two runs to his overnight score.

The visitors made a promising start on the second day of the ongoing Test match in Rajkot. Debutant Dhruv Jurel, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, contributed vital runs for the eighth wicket, aiming to build a challenging total and put pressure on the England bowlers.

Also read: Watch: ‘There were disappointments…’ – Anil Kumble Motivates Sarfaraz Khan with inspirational speech ahead of debut Test