Watch: Sarfaraz Khan receives special appreciation from Rishabh Pant, standing ovation from Bengaluru crowd

Sarfaraz Khan won many hearts with his remarkable performance in the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Coming to bat after Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s wicket at No. 4, Sarfaraz played a fabulous knock against the Kiwis.

Facing 195 deliveries, Sarfaraz Khan showed grit, courage, patience, and skills throughout his stay to take the Indian cricket team to a good position in the opening game of the three-match Test series against New Zealand in Bengaluru.

Sarfaraz Khan earns standing ovation after heroic 150 in Bengaluru Test

However, New Zealand’s senior pacer Tim Southee managed to get rid of Sarfaraz with a well-executed delivery on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

It was an outswinger in the perfect slot, which tempted Sarfaraz to go for a lofted cover drive. However, the ball unexpectedly hit the seam, bounced higher than expected, and caught the Indian batter off guard.

It struck the bat higher than the sweet spot, resulting in an easy catch for Ajaz Patel at extra-cover, as Sarfaraz Khan walked off after an outstanding knock of 150 runs off 195 balls studded with 18 boundaries and 3 sixes against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Here's how Sarfaraz Khan lost his wicket:

pic.twitter.com/UAVEftFsLv

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 19, 2024

Interestingly, Sarfaraz was also dismissed similarly in the first inning, caught at mid-off, and now finds himself out at cover. Well, the right-handed batter’s innings had been crucial, especially early on when the conditions were challenging. His steady partnership allowed Virat Kohli to build confidence, and later, his attacking approach alongside Rishabh Pant gave India a significant boost.

As he returned to the pavilion, Rishabh Pant hugged Sarfaraz and patted on his back to appreciate his efforts under pressure while his teammates honored his exceptional effort with a warm reception. Apart from the Indian team, the crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium also gave Sarfaraz standing ovation for playing memorable innings against the Kiwis.

Bengaluru crowd honors Sarfaraz-

STANDING OVATION FOR SARFARAZ KHAN FROM CHINNASWAMY STADIUM 🥹 pic.twitter.com/hi1DkORNkC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 19, 2024

Rishabh Pant appreciating the innings of SARFARAZ KHAN ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XOA7fPA8Qd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 19, 2024

Manoj Tiwary feels Sarfaraz Khan should get fair opportunity in Tests

This knock earned massive praise from the former India batter Manoj Tiwary, who said that KL Rahul is now under pressure to perform if he wants to retain his place in the team. Shubman Gill is expected to return for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, and Tiwary backed Khan to retain his place in India’s playing XI for the New Zealand series.

Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz: “You cannot remove Shubman Gill as of now because he scored a hundred in the previous series and he also has a very good record. When he recovers from his stiff neck, he will become an automatic choice. KL Rahul will be the one under most pressure.”

He signed off by saying, “Even if Rahul doesn't score runs in the next two Tests, he will still get preference for the initial Tests in Australia. But, if he doesn't perform there as well, then Sarfaraz could come into the playing XI. I feel Sarfaraz should also get a fair opportunity. It is good that the players who are in the reserves are performing. There will definitely be pressure on some players in the playing XI.”