Cricket

Sarfaraz Khan's Memorable Week: Test Century and Baby BoyIndian cricket star Sarfaraz Khan's remarkable week has reached new heights with the birth of his baby boy, just two days after he scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand. This joyous occasion adds to the already unforgettable experience for the talented batter, who has been captivating fans with his exceptional performances on the field.During the rain-interrupted fourth day of the match in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz showcased his extraordinary batting prowess, amassing an impressive 150 runs. Playing in only his fourth Test match since his debut earlier this year, the young batter described his century as a "dream come true.""Since I started playing cricket, it was my dream to play for India and score a 100 for India. I am happy," the 26-year-old had told reporters on Saturday.Sarfaraz's journey to the Test team was not without its challenges. Initially, he was not the team's first choice, but he secured a spot in the playing eleven for the series opener after Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a stiff neck.Despite the unexpected opportunity, Sarfaraz seized the moment and delivered a performance that has left a lasting impression. His innings marked his 16th first-class century, with an impressive record of 10 out of his previous 15 centuries being scores of 150 or more, including four double hundreds.The birth of his baby boy adds another layer of joy to Sarfaraz's already memorable week. This special moment is a testament to the cricketer's resilience and determination, both on and off the field. As he continues to shine on the international stage, Sarfaraz Khan's star is undoubtedly on the rise.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, has lauded Sarfaraz Khan's attacking 150 in the recent first Test match against New Zealand. Gavaskar believes that Khan's batting performances are even more impressive than his waistline.Khan, who was dropped for the first innings after scoring a duck, led India to 462 in the second innings with an explosive 150, his first Test century. His innings included 18 fours and three sixes.Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar on Monday, "Sarfaraz Khan has been denied a place in the Indian team for some years now, despite scoring runs by the hundreds in domestic cricket. This was largely because those in a position to make decisions believed he didn't have the slim waist they deemed necessary for international cricket."Gavaskar also gave the example of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who, despite not having a particularly trim waist, excelled in Test cricket, making a brilliant 99 in Bengaluru and sharing a vital 177-run partnership with Sarfaraz in the second innings."Rishabh Pant is another player who doesn't possess the slim waist that these fitness purists seem to want, but what an impact player he is," wrote Gavaskar. "Let's not forget that he also keeps wickets all day, which not only requires getting up and down for around six hours of play but also running to the stumps to gather the throws."Gavaskar questioned whether India's eight-wicket loss in Bengaluru could cause them to worry ahead of a crucial trip to Australia later this year given Rohit Sharma's team's inability to handle bounce."That their heroics went in vain, as the batters who followed them simply didn't have the technique or temperament to deal with a pitch that was different from the low-bounce ones where they dominate, only added to the frustration," wrote Gavaskar."If anything, the way the Indian batting has struggled in Chennai - where again there was some bounce - and now in Bengaluru, does make one anxious about what lies in store in Australia."

In the realm of cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has emerged as a maverick, defying conventional norms with his unique style and unwavering determination. Like the legendary Imran Tahir, whose exuberant celebrations became synonymous with his wicket-taking prowess, Sarfaraz's sprint around the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after reaching his maiden Test century was a testament to his unbridled joy and the fulfillment of a childhood dream.Despite his unconventional appearance, Sarfaraz possesses an exceptional batting ability that has earned him a place in the Indian Test team. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and a refusal to be defined by his physical attributes. In the recently concluded Test match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz showcased his resilience and adaptability, overcoming a shaky start to produce a match-winning century.Initially, Sarfaraz's inclusion in the team was seen as a backdoor entry, but he proved his worth with a series of impressive performances in domestic and India-A matches. His debut in Rajkot was a testament to his talent, as he scored twin half-centuries and displayed a fearless approach against the English bowlers.However, fate had other plans for Sarfaraz. With the return of Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul, he found himself on the sidelines for the Chennai and Kanpur Tests. Undeterred, he continued to work hard, knowing that his opportunity would come again.That opportunity arrived in Bengaluru, where he was thrust into the middle order after Shubman Gill suffered an injury. Despite being unfamiliar with the No. 4 position, Sarfaraz embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm.The conditions were far from ideal, with a damp track and a formidable Kiwi bowling attack. Sarfaraz's first innings ended prematurely, but he returned with a vengeance in the second innings. His response to the game situation was a powerful sweep off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, a stroke he repeated to signal his intent.For the next five hours, Sarfaraz was an immovable object, showcasing his Mumbai-honed street smarts and the guidance of his father. The New Zealand bowlers tried to exploit his perceived weakness against the short ball, but Sarfaraz countered with a variety of shots, including late-cuts, dabs, upper-cuts, and ramps.His partnership with Rishabh Pant was a masterclass in attacking cricket. The duo complemented each other perfectly, dismantling the Kiwi bowlers with a combination of power and finesse. Sarfaraz's ability to play the ball late and his penchant for scoring behind square on the off-side proved to be a constant thorn in the opposition's side.With his century, Sarfaraz has cemented his place in the Indian Test team. He has shown that he is not just a one-dimensional player but a versatile batsman capable of adapting to different situations. His journey is a reminder that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle, and that the path to success is often paved with unexpected twists and turns.

Indian cricket sensation Sarfaraz Khan has been on a remarkable run of form, captivating fans and experts alike. However, concerns have been raised about his fitness, with some suggesting it could jeopardize his place in the playing XI.To address these concerns, Sarfaraz has embarked on a rigorous fitness regimen, guided by the Indian team's strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has recommended a chef to assist Sarfaraz in improving his nutrition."Sarfaraz is working on his fitness with the Indian team strength and conditioning coach, and Rishabh has provided him with a chef who is taking care of his food," revealed Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with Indian Express. "The intent is that by the time he reaches the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his body is in a better shape."Despite his perceived fitness issues, Sarfaraz's batting prowess remains undeniable. "His body type might make him look fat, but if you ask him to bat 450 balls, score double hundred, triple hundred, daddy hundred, he has that skill," Yadav emphasized.Sarfaraz's dedication to his craft is evident in his unwavering practice routine. "I have never seen him skipping practice even on match day," Yadav added. "If there is a game, he will get up at 5 am, bat for one hour near his home, and then join the team bus. After the game, he will go to the nearby ground and bat again."After scoring his maiden century for India against New Zealand in the Bengaluru Test, Sarfaraz expressed his elation. "It felt amazing to get my first century for India," he said. "But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did."Sarfaraz's fitness journey is a testament to his determination to overcome any obstacles that may hinder his cricketing aspirations. With the support of his teammates and a renewed focus on his physical well-being, he aims to silence his critics and cement his place as a vital cog in the Indian cricket team.

Sarfaraz Khan's scintillating century in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand has reignited his hopes of cementing a place in the Indian Test team. The 25-year-old right-hander, who was drafted in as a replacement for the injured Shubman Gill, seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring a magnificent 150 runs to lead India's fightback.After a disappointing duck in the first innings, Sarfaraz showed his class and determination in the second, playing a series of eye-catching strokes to bring up his maiden Test century. He reached the milestone with a boundary off Tim Southee and celebrated with a jubilant sprint, his teammates and the support staff joining in the celebration from the dressing room.Sarfaraz's century was a testament to his hard work and perseverance. He has been in impressive form in domestic cricket for several years, but had yet to translate that success into the international arena. This knock has undoubtedly put him on the radar of the selectors and will give him confidence for the rest of the series.The BCCI shared a montage of two moments separated by more than nine years, featuring Sarfaraz and Virat Kohli. In the first clip, from IPL 2015, a 17-year-old Sarfaraz scored a cracking 21-ball 45 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As soon as he finished his innings, Kohli came onto the field with a big smile and bowed to him, a gesture that left a lasting impression on the young batsman.Recalling the moment, Sarfaraz said, "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity."Sarfaraz also spoke about his experience of playing alongside Kohli in RCB, highlighting his passion and love for the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Sarfaraz said.Sarfaraz's century has given India a glimmer of hope in the first Test against New Zealand. The hosts still trail by a significant margin, but Sarfaraz's knock has shown that they have the batting firepower to compete with the world champions.

Sarfaraz Khan's Historic Feat: Duck and 150-Plus in Same TestRising Indian star Sarfaraz Khan has etched his name into the annals of cricket history with a remarkable achievement during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Khan became only the third Indian cricketer to score a duck and a 150-plus score in the same Test match.In the first innings, Khan was dismissed for a duck, failing to trouble the scorers. However, he made a resounding comeback in the second innings, smashing 150 off 195 balls studded with 18 fours and three sixes. His knock solidified his position as one of India's rising stars in the longer format.Khan's achievement mirrors similar performances by two Indian batters. In 1953, Madhav Apte made 0 and 163* against the West Indies at Port of Spain, while Nayan Mongia followed with 152 and 0 against Australia in Delhi during the 1996 Test series.Khan's innings was pivotal, sparking a remarkable recovery for India after they were bowled out for a mere 46 in the first innings. New Zealand responded with a commanding 402, securing a massive 356-run first-innings lead.Resuming from 70 on the fourth day of the match, Khan went on to slam his maiden Test hundred. His innings showcased his resilience and ability to bounce back after failure, highlighting his potential to handle pressure in crucial moments.Khan's achievement is a testament to his talent and determination. It is a reminder that even after a setback, it is possible to come back stronger and make a significant contribution to the team.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has heaped praise on Sarfaraz Khan, comparing him to legendary Pakistani batter Javed Miandad. Manjrekar's comments came after Sarfaraz's impressive performance in the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur.Sarfaraz, who replaced the injured Shubman Gill in the Indian team, scored a half-century in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 70 off 78 balls at the end of Day 3. Manjrekar was particularly impressed with Sarfaraz's approach to batting, both offensively and defensively."Sarfaraz reminds me of a Javed Miandad of the 1980s but this is a 2024 version of a Javed Miandad," Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo's YouTube channel. "Really impressed with the way he played. We know he plays spin well but I liked the way he played fast bowlers."Miandad, who played for Pakistan from 1975 to 1996, is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He scored over 16,000 international runs, including 8,832 in Tests at an average of 52.57.Manjrekar also praised Sarfaraz's game awareness, particularly towards the end of the day's play. "Towards the end of the day's play, he was looking to play defensively and wanting bad light when there was actually bright light," Manjrekar said. "I loved the way he was ducking to bouncers, just trying to play the day out so he has that game as well and that augurs well for India and Sarfaraz Khan for Australia because he has shown that element of batting as well."Sarfaraz stitched a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli in the second innings, before the latter departed on the final ball of Day 3. India will resume their innings on Day 4 with Sarfaraz looking to convert his half-century into a century.

India's spirited fightback on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru was overshadowed by Virat Kohli's unfortunate dismissal off the last ball of the day. Kohli, who reached the milestone of 9,000 Test runs during his innings, shared a 136-run partnership with Sarfaraz Khan, who remained unbeaten on 70 at the close of play.India's second innings began with a solid opening stand of 72 between Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) and Rohit Sharma (52). However, spinner Ajaz Patel made inroads into the Indian top order, dismissing both openers. Rohit's dismissal came shortly after he had smashed Matt Henry for a sequence of four, six, and four to bring up his half-century.The day belonged to New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, who scored his second Test century and was the last man out in the tourists' first innings total of 402. Ravindra, resuming on his overnight score of 22, reached his hundred with a boundary off Ravichandran Ashwin before lunch. He shared a crucial 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tim Southee, who contributed a quickfire 65.India's pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah struck early in the morning session, while spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each. The hosts were without the services of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who remained off the field after injuring his knee. Dhruv Jurel took over as the substitute wicketkeeper.India's second innings got off to a solid start, with Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan putting on a century partnership. Kohli reached his fifty at his adopted home ground, where he represents the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. However, his dismissal off the last ball of the day to Glenn Phillips, caught behind by Tom Blundell, left India at 231 for three at stumps, still trailing the Black Caps by 125 runs.

India's Test opener Shubman Gill is facing a potential setback ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on October 16. According to reports, Gill has complained of neck and shoulder pain, raising concerns about his availability for the match.The 25-year-old informed the team management about his discomfort on Monday, and a final decision on his selection will be made on the morning of the Test. Gill's absence could pave the way for Sarfaraz Khan or Dhruv Jurel to make their way into India's playing XI.Gill has established himself as a key figure in India's Test batting lineup, particularly at the No. 3 position. He played a pivotal role in India's recent Test series victory over Bangladesh, scoring a century in the first Test.In fact, Gill boasts an impressive batting average in the second innings of Test matches since 2020, making him one of India's most reliable batsmen in challenging conditions.Sarfaraz Khan, who recently scored a double century for Mumbai in the Duleep Trophy, is the frontrunner to replace Gill in the lineup. After a promising start to his Test career against England, Sarfaraz was unfortunate to miss out on selection after KL Rahul's return from injury.However, if Sarfaraz does enter the XI, India's batting order may need to be adjusted. The team will have to decide whether to promote Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, or Rishabh Pant up the order to fill the No. 3 spot.India will face New Zealand after a dominant 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh. History favors India, as New Zealand has never won an away Test series in the World Test Championship (WTC).However, the weather could play a significant role in the outcome of the match, with rain predicted to impact play on all five days. The overcast and rainy conditions could also influence India's team selection.