Sarfaraz Khan finally made his international debut, and it was worth the wait. He scored 62 runs off 66 balls, including nine fours and a six, at a strike rate of 93.33. His performance was remarkable, making him the joint-fastest Indian to reach fifty on debut. Unfortunately, his innings was cut short due to a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja, leading to a run-out. The skipper, Rohit Sharma, expressed his frustration by throwing his cap in the dressing room.
Ravindra Jadeja took responsibility for the mistake
Ravindra Jadeja, who was involved in the run-out, took responsibility for the mistake on Instagram, expressing regret for his wrong call. Despite the unfortunate end to Sarfaraz’s debut, his journey to the international stage was highly anticipated, given his impressive performances in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy. In the 2021-22 season, he topped the run charts with 982 runs in six matches, and in the 2019-20 season, he secured the fifth position with 928 runs in six matches. Even in the 2022-23 season, he continued to perform well, scoring 556 runs in six matches.
Before his international debut, Sarfaraz played 45 first-class matches, accumulating 3,912 runs at an impressive average of 69.85. His record included 14 centuries and 11 fifties, with a highest score of 301*. His consistent performances in the unofficial Test series against England Lions also played a crucial role in earning him a spot in the national team.
As for the match, India chose to bat after winning the toss and ended the first day at 326/5. The team faced early troubles at 33/3, but centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma (131) and Ravindra Jadeja (110*) rescued India. Sarfaraz Khan’s contribution with a half-century further helped India surpass the 300-run mark.
Sarfaraz Khan’s international debut lived up to expectations, showcasing his talent and potential. Despite the unfortunate run-out, his inclusion in the team was well-deserved, considering his consistent and impressive performances in domestic and unofficial international matches.
