"Had no plans of coming to Rajkot, Suryakumar Yadav forced me.."- Sarfaraz Khan father Naushad Khan

Naushad Khan, father of India‘s latest batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan, was present on the field when his son received his maiden India cap on Thursday (February 15). The right-handed batsman finally made it to India playing eleven for the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot.

Naushad Khan as well as Sarfaraz’s wife were invited on the field for the cap presentation ceremony. Sarfaraz received his maiden Test cap from the legendary Anil Kumble and it was followed by a highly emotional scene. Sarfaraz’s father just could not contain his emotions and got teary-eyed after seeing his son finally getting the chance to represent the country in international cricket.

After the cap presentation ceremony, an emotional Naushad Khan hugged his son and kissed his India cap. He was also seen embracing India captain Rohit Sharma. Later, he was invited to the commentary box where he talked with former India opener Aakash Chopra and shared his experiences.

Also Read: “We used to bully Bangladesh..”- James Neesham on Bangladesh’s chances in T20 World Cup 2024

Naushad Khan forced by Suryakumar Yadav to go to Rajkot:

Speaking at the end of the first day’s play, Sarfaraz revealed that his father was not planning to come to Rajkot and watch his debut. Later in an interview, Naushad Khan reiterated his son’s comments and said that he almost decided against visiting the stadium as he was ill.

However, he eventually decided to visit the stadium for his son’s special occasion after being forced by India and Mumbai star Suryakumar Yadav.

“Suryakumar Yadav told me to attend the Rajkot game. Even till 11 am, I had no plans of coming to Rajkot, I was a little sick, you can tell from my voice. Suryakumar Yadav asked me if I was going to attend match. I told him that ‘I don’t want Sarfaraz to feel the pressure that I am there’.

“I did not have a 100 percent guarantee if he will get the cap or not. Suryakumar explained it to me that ‘you will not get another moment like this in your life, I also had taken my parents to the Test match’. We only got one flight ticket and I came down to Rajkot,” Naushad Khan told Aajtak.

Well, Sarfaraz went on to make a brilliant debut as he smashed a whirlwind 48-ball fifty in his first Test innings. His brilliant innings was cut short by an unfortunate run-out. The right-handed batsman scored 62 off 66 balls with the help of 9 fours and a six.

Also Read: James Neesham to take a call on his international career after T20 World Cup 2024