Watch: 'There were disappointments...' - Anil Kumble motivates Sarfaraz Khan with inspirational speech ahead of debut Test

Former Indian skipper and head coach Anil Kumble shared words of encouragement while presenting the Test cap to Sarfaraz Khan. Anil Kumble commended Sarfaraz Khan for his hard work in domestic cricket and expressed confidence in his success in the future.

The Rohit Sharma-led side is currently facing the England team in the third Test at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The five-match series stands balanced, with each team winning one match, making the ongoing encounter crucial for both sides.

Sarfaraz Khan Receives Test Cap From Anil Kumble

Sarfaraz Khan faced repeated omissions by selectors in the past, despite his consistent performances in domestic cricket. The young batter expressed frustration over the selectors’ decisions. He earned him his first international opportunity during the third Test.

The 26-year-old batter replaced Shreyas Iyer in India’s playing XI for the third Test match in Rajkot. The Mumbai-based cricketer received his Test cap from the legendary Anil Kumble. He became the 311th cricketer to represent the Indian cricket team in Tests.

Watch: Really Proud Of You – Anil Kumble To Sarfaraz Khan

In a video shared by the BCCI, Anil Kumble lauded Sarfaraz Khan‘s dedication and resilience in his journey to earning his Test cap, highlighting the honor of joining a select group of just 310 players.

“Sarfu, really proud of you, the way you have come through. I am sure your dad and family will be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work, there were some disappointments but despite that, all the runs you’ve scored through the domestic season, well done to you. And I am sure you’ll have lots of wonderful memories today. It’s the start of a long career, only 310 people have played before you. All the best,” Kumble said.

From The Huddle! 🔊

A Test cap is special! 🫡

Words of wisdom from Anil Kumble & Dinesh Karthik that Sarfaraz Khan & Dhruv Jurel will remember for a long time 🗣️ 🗣️

You Can Not Miss This!

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FM0hVG5X8M#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @dhruvjurel21 |… pic.twitter.com/mVptzhW1v7

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

The young cricketer has demonstrated remarkable consistency in first-class cricket, amassing nearly 4,000 runs at an average of 69.85 across 45 matches. He also excelled in unofficial Tests against England Lions, notably scoring 161 runs in the second encounter.

Rohit Sharma Smashes Half Century In India’s First Innings

India made four changes to their starting lineup, with Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja returning, accompanied by debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, Mukesh Kumar, Shreyas Iyer, and KS Bharat were omitted from the playing XI.

Team India’s top order collapsed against the England attack, leaving them at 33-3. However, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted to No. 5, stabilized India’s innings. Sharma’s resilient half-century guided India to 93-3 by the end of the first session.

Mark Wood replaced off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and made an impact by taking early wickets, including Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) and Shubman Gill (5). Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley managed to dismiss Rajat Patidar, who contributed only 5 runs to the scoreboard.

India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson

Also read: Watch- Sarfaraz Khan’s wife breaks down in tears as young batter receives his Test cap in Rajkot