"In a country that boasts of such a big population..." - Sarfaraz Khan's huge remark on India call-up

It was a dream come true for Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan as he earned his maiden India call-up. Sarfaraz has been included in India’s squad for the second Test match against England, all set to be played from February 2, 2024, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. India are 1-0 down in the series and lost the first match by 28 runs in Hyderabad.

Sarfaraz Khan has hit loads of runs in domestic cricket, however, he still was not able to make a place in the Indian side. However, when his dream came true, he engaged in a chat with BCCI. Expressing his feelings, Sarfaraz said that he is very happy for himself and he is more happy for his father. Sarfaraz stated that the game is all about patience and if an individual wants to play Test cricket, he has to be patient. Sarfaraz also reflected on what his father used to say during his lean period. Sarfaraz said that his father used to say he shall keep working hard and no one could stop him.

Sarfaraz Khan on maiden India call-up

Sarfaraz Khan said, “The game is all about patience. If we have to play Test cricket, we have to be patient. In life, there are times when we rush ourselves. I would get emotional about my wait to get into the team. My father would always say, keep working hard and you would be unstoppable. Having self-belief and patience are very important. I am happy for my father. In a country that boasts of such a big population, it is a proud feeling to be a part of this Indian team.”

Sarfaraz Khan was adjudged the Player of the Match against England Lions during the second unofficial Test match in Ahmedabad. Sarfaraz slammed a brilliant century and was later announced as a replacement for KL Rahul in the Indian Test side. After getting the name in the Indian squad, there is also a chance that Sarfaraz might make his Test debut.

Indian batsman Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are struggling to score runs in the red ball format from many games. The team shall bring in Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar in their place for the second Test match. Sarfaraz is a good player of spin and the Vizag surface is expected to have plenty of help for the spinners.

The Indian team struggled to play against debutant Tom Hartley in Hyderabad which had a little help for the spinners. If the Vizag surface is expected to have more help for the spinners, the Indian team will look forward to moving into the match with more practice.

England on the other hand, have also begun their practice and will be wanting to win the match and continue their winning momentum. England showcased brilliant fightback in the first game and would aim to keep the momentum going in the second as well.