India captain Rohit Sharma shared a heartfelt moment with Sarfaraz Khan’s family prior to the India vs England 3rd Test.
Naushad, Sarfaraz Khan’s father, was overwhelmed with emotions as his son received his Test cap from the legendary Anil Kumble before the match in Rajkot.
Accompanied by his daughter-in-law Romana, they stood on the sidelines during the cap presentation ceremony at the Nirajan Shah Stadium. After the ceremony, Sarfaraz ran towards his father and wife to show them his most prized possession. Their emotions overflowed, tears streaming down their faces. They embraced warmly and offered prayers.
Following this, Rohit Sharma decided to meet Sarfaraz’s family. The efforts made by Naushad and his family to nurture Sarfaraz and his brother Musheer into cricketers are well-known. Before heading to change for the toss, Rohit shook hands with Naushad and expressed his gratitude for their contributions to Sarfaraz’s journey. He also congratulated Sarfaraz’s wife Romana.
As he was about to enter the dressing room, Naushad made a sincere request, placing his hand on his chest, “Please take care of him, sir.” Rohit replied, “Of course, of course.” Sarfaraz made the most of his opportunity, scoring a quick fifty off 48 balls and taking on the opposition bowlers. This was a day of centuries for skipper Rohit Sharma (131) and Ravindra Jadeja (110 not out).
“I felt really happy,” Sarfaraz shared with reporters. “It was my first time coming to the ground and receiving the cap in front of my father. He started my cricket when I was just six years old,” the 26-year-old added. After Rohit’s dismissal, Sarfaraz came to bat and, after a nervous start, found his rhythm with boundaries, entertaining the crowd.
After a remarkable display against the spinners, he celebrated his 50th milestone by acknowledging his family and the appreciative dressing room. “I was fully geared up for nearly four hours. I constantly reminded myself that I have already exhibited immense patience in life, so why not exhibit a little more,” he expressed.
“Initially, I was a bit anxious when I stepped onto the field, but my extensive practice and relentless efforts paid off splendidly.” Sarfaraz’s innings concluded with a run-out due to a misunderstanding with Jadeja, yet his performance left the opposing team in awe.
Rohit Sharma congratulated #SarfarazKhan father and Wife before Match!#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/qIGcMz4EKy
— Italian Vinci (@Antoniakabeta) February 15, 2024
