Know how Suryakumar Yadav heartwarming gesture made Sarfaraz Khan’s Test debut extra special
Yesterday, the cricketing world witnessed a dream realized– Sarfaraz Khan donned the coveted whites for his Test debut against England. But behind the scenes, it was a story not just of Sarfaraz’s talent, but of a father’s love and a friend’s intervention.
Initially, Naushad Khan, Sarfaraz’s father and mentor, wasn’t planning to attend the match. Naushad wasn’t feeling all too well and after years of sacrifice and dedication poured into shaping his son’s career, the emotional weight of witnessing the culmination of their shared dream might have seemed overwhelming.
“Surya’s message made me melt…”
Enter Suryakumar Yadav, the mercurial stroke-maker, who knows both father and son closely. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, he urged Naushad to be present. It wasn’t just about witnessing the debut; it was about sharing the journey, the joy, and the nervous energy firsthand. “Initially, I thought I wouldn’t come as that would put Sarfaraz under some kind of pressure, and apart from that I also had a bit of a cold. But Surya’s message almost made me melt and I couldn’t stop myself from coming,” Naushad said while speaking to reporters at the end of the day’s play.
According to Naushad, Suryakumar cited the example of his Test debut during which his parents were present. Surya told Naushad that such moments don’t come by every day and hence, he must go to Rajkot.
And so, Naushad found himself amidst the electric atmosphere of the Rajkot stadium, his heart swelling with pride as the legendary Anil Kumble presented Sarfaraz with his Test cap. The emotional exchange of the cap between father and son, captured by cameras, spoke volumes about their unwavering bond and the sacrifices made.
Sarfaraz, on his part, ensured that his father’s trip to Rajkot was worth it. His flamboyant 62, laced with nine boundaries and a maximum, showcased his immense talent and fighting spirit. Every run, every stroke, was a tribute to his father’s guidance and relentless support. While a run-out ended his innings prematurely, the debut was a sign of his immense potential and things to come.
