Sarfaraz Khan is expected to receive a Test cap after averaging more than 100 for three consecutive domestic seasons. Mumbai batsman KL Rahul is predicted to be in the playing XI for the third Test in Rajkot after middle-order mainstay Rahul failed the fitness test.
Sarfaraz is going to make his stage debut. Sarfaraz will play in his first Test match because KL is out of the picture for this match, an insider said.
Sarfaraz has been putting in a lot of effort over the last few years. Despite Rajat Patidar being chosen ahead of him by selectors following Virat Kohli’s withdrawal from the first two Test matches, the 26-year-old remained optimistic. He scored 161 against the England Lions the day after his omission on selection day.
The key to the game is patience. We need to exercise patience if we must play Test cricket. There are moments in life when we hurry. I used to get upset about not being able to join the team. My father has always told me that if I work hard, I will overcome all obstacles. Patience and self-belief are crucial traits, he told bcci.tv during his test call.
“I am happier for my father than I am for myself. Being a member of the Indian team makes me feel proud to live in a nation with such a large population, he continued.
When the 26-year-old learned of his call-up, he also dug deeper into the day. “I was preparing to play Ranji Trophy.” I had retained the India I was packing for my Ranji match and had some clothes in the bag. “I was surprised to receive a call informing me that I had been selected for the Indian team,” he said.
At first, I didn’t think it was true. I then told everyone at home, but my dad wasn’t present. When I called him at home, he also started crying. My mother, father, and wife were all very emotional. My father’s (my only dream) has been to fulfill his wish to see me represent the nation. I feel like my hard work has paid off after the call up, and I’m really happy about that,” he continued.
For the Test match beginning on February 15, wicket-keeper batsman Dhruv Jurel will also be making his debut. The gloveman from Uttar Pradesh, 23, will take over for KS Bharat, who hasn’t played well at all this series.
