'Wait is finally over': Fans elated after Sarfaraz Khan earns maiden India call-up for 2nd Test vs England
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Jan 29, 2024, 5:08 PM ISTWith an impressive record in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz boasts 3912 runs at an impressive average of 69.85 and a formidable strike-rate of 70.48 across 45 matches.
The cricketing world buzzes with excitement as Sarfaraz Khan secures his maiden call-up to the Indian squad for the second Test against England in Vishakhapatnam, starting February 2. Following the announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), fans erupted in joy, celebrating the inclusion of the talented batsman alongside Saurabh Kumar and Washington Sundar, who join the squad following the sidelining of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja due to injuries.
The Men's Selection Committee have added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India's squad. https://t.co/xgxI8NsxpV
— BCCI (@BCCI)Latest Videos
Sarfaraz Khan's selection comes on the heels of his stellar performance against the England Lions in the 4-day unofficial Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 26-year-old's exceptional batting prowess earned him the Player of the Match award after a scintillating knock of 161 runs off 160 balls, embellished with 18 fours and 5 sixes. His instrumental contribution led India A to a resounding victory by an innings and 16 runs, showcasing his remarkable potential on the cricketing stage.
With an impressive record in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz boasts 3912 runs at an impressive average of 69.85 and a formidable strike-rate of 70.48 across 45 matches. His remarkable achievement includes 14 centuries and 11 half-centuries, culminating in a memorable top score of 301 not out during a Ranji Trophy encounter between Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh at the Wankhede Stadium in January 2020.
Sarfaraz Khan welcome to the indian test team.
Well deserved 🇮🇳
Best of luck Bro 🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/K1UAuUV7tg
Reacting to Sarfaraz's long-awaited India call-up, fans across the nation expressed jubilation and pride. Social media platforms witnessed an outpouring of support and admiration for the young cricketer, with enthusiasts lauding his perseverance and talent. Many hailed Sarfaraz's selection as a testament to his hard work and dedication, envisioning a bright future for the promising batsman in the Indian cricketing landscape.
"Oh, the Sarfaraz era sounds exciting!" noted one Indian fan on X, formerly Twitter. Another fan added, "Congratulations finally he get a chance."
"Well deserved," said several X users, while one commented, "Best of luck for Sarfraz, he has made numerous ( around 4000 odd runs ) runs in domestic circuit. Let's see how he exhibits his skills at international level."
"Sarfaraz Khan's inclusion in the Indian Test team is a fitting reward for his consistent brilliance. Let's witness his elegant strokeplay grace the whites!" said another X user.
India's updated Squad for 2nd Test vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar.
Here's a look at some of the reactions by Indian cricket fans following Sarfaraz Khan's inclusion in the squad for the India vs England clash in Vishakhapatnam:
SARFARAZ KHAN INCLUDED IN THE INDIAN TEST TEAM....!!!
- The wait is over 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/IF3MwnD37z
WELCOME TO INDIAN TEST TEAM, SARFARAZ KHAN...!!! 🇮🇳
- After all the hard work, Sarfaraz finally gets his maiden call up. pic.twitter.com/MX4W2Foa38
Sarfaraz Khan in First Class cricket:
Innings - 66
Runs - 3912
Average - 69.85
Hundreds - 14
Fifties - 11
Years of hardwork in first class cricket has finally paid off & got the India call on January 29th, 2024. ⭐ 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/VEAOr9kfFa
Captain Rohit Sharma has called deserving Sarfaraz Khan for the 2nd test.
That's what a true leader does ! 🇮🇳🐐 pic.twitter.com/TYW7kXwh0L
Finally Sarfaraz Khan gets an India maiden call up..
After scoring tons of runs in the domestic cricket.He is included in the India test setup.Well deserve...!!!! pic.twitter.com/OcsBU32EUq
Sarfaraz Khan now part of Team India's Squad in the Test series against England. So happy to see him in the Team India. His hard work and dedication and lots of runs in domestic cricket now pay off.
- WELCOME TO TEAM INDIA, SARFARAZ KHAN...!!!!! pic.twitter.com/T6rRZoNW7e
Finally Sarfaraz Khan in Indian Test team. Happy for him, hope he does well. pic.twitter.com/yegF5s0nY0
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) added to the Indian squad. "I'm just chuffed to have been around Sir Don Bradman's record for the past few years," he'd said following a home series snub last year.
Only right that his maiden Test call up comes against England.pic.twitter.com/YqKe47AOZN
Sarfaraz Khan in First Class Cricket:
In Ranji 2019/20 - 928 runs, 154.7 ave.
In Ranji 2021/22 - 982 runs, 122.8 ave.
In Ranji 2022/23 - 556 runs, 92.6 ave
For India A 2024 - 186 runs, 52 ave.
- His hard work over the years is now paid off, so happy to see him in Team India. 👏 pic.twitter.com/SGGNPO8ptE
Really happy for Sarfaraz Khan as he finally gets a maiden call up to the test team. pic.twitter.com/zANGQoGGQx
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha)Sarfaraz Khan finally into the team
He deserved it more than anyone else
Kindly score big and shut everyone mouth 😊 pic.twitter.com/A8o5rMJYXI
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