Sarfaraz Khan and his father, Naushad Khan, have been in the limelight over the past couple of days, and deservedly as the 26-year-old fulfilled his father’s dream of playing for India.
Sarfaraz received his Test debut cap from Indian legend Anil Kumble ahead of the Rajkot Test against England. The youngster made an instant impact by blasting 62 runs in 66 balls with the help of 9 fours and one six, displaying his famed batsmanship against spinners. However, his debut innings was cut short due to a run-out.
Sarfaraz Khan’s father, Naushad, was a professional cricketer in Mumbai but couldn’t pursue his dream further due to his family situation. But Naushad worked hard with his two sons to make them professional cricketers – Musheer Khan recently returned as the second-highest scorer in the under-19 World Cup in South Africa.
Speaking with Aaj Tak, Naushad said, “It was my dream that what I could not do, he will. It felt like I wore the Test cap through him. He has been in a tight regime since his childhood. He has never flown kites, nor gone to hang out with his friends. He used to wake up early in the morning and go to practice. Later he would return home in the evening and practice again. When he received the cap, it felt worth it.”
Both Sarfaraz and Musheer wear the number 97 jersey as a tribute to their father. In Hindi/Urdu language, 97 translates to “Nau Saat” virtually his father’s name, Naushad.
He added, “I am playing Test cricket through him. He wears my name on his back 9 and 7, which is Nau-Saat, my name – Naushad. I am happy as both coach and father.”
Naushad reveals he didn’t give luxuries to son Sarfaraz Khan
Naushad says he didn’t provide Sarfaraz Khan with all the luxuries to teach him lessons about hard work and struggles.
“I have been harsh to him, but that has been done to him for a reason. The nights that he has slept without food, that was to teach him how the people sleeping on the footpath felt We had a car but forced him to travel by train so that he learns the hardships of life,” he asserted.
#Amul Topical: Sarfaraz Khan makes joint fastest fifty on Test debut! pic.twitter.com/x58oLW3o49
— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) February 16, 2024
Sarfaraz entered the Test arena with a huge first-class average of 69, and it showed in his debut knock.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Why Are Indian Players Wearing Black Armband On Day 3 Of Rajkot Test
