Mumbai’s middle order batter Sarfaraz Khan was given his maiden test cap for India, along with wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, in the third Test of the five-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, now known as Niranjan Shah Stadium, in Rajkot on Thursday.
With Virat Kohli skipping the series for personal reasons and KL Rahul nursing a thigh strain, India have rewarded 26-year-old MSarfaraz for his prolific form in domestic cricket.
India vs England, 3rd Test Day 1 – LIVE
Sarfaraz was presented his debut Test cap from legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble.
As the Mumbai batter donned his test shirt, the familiar number 97 was emblazoned on his back. For those who don’t know, Sarfaraz has sported the unique number from his childhood right through Under-19 cricket and the Indian Premier League as well.
The story behind Sarfaraz choosing that exact number is even more unique.
He had once explained that his father, who name is Naushad Khan – a renowned coach in the Mumbai cricket circuit – is the inspiration.
His father’s name, is a loose combination of the Hindi numbers 9 and 7, which is nau (nine) and saat (seven) and hence the tribute to his father.
Sarfaraz was in tears along with his father after being presented with the debut India cap and the pair emerged in an emotional moment before the start of play.
In fact, Sarfaraz’s younger brother, Musheer Khan, who recently starred for India at the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup also sports the same number on his back.
India made two more changes as Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second Test due to a hamstring injury, came back for Axar Patel, while Mohammed Siraj came into the playing eleven in place of Mukesh Kumar.
The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1. India won the second Test by 104 runs to level the series after England took the opener by 28 runs.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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