As KL Rahul is out from the third Test due to his injury, Indian team management is likely to include Sarfaraz Khan in the playing XI. As we know, KL Rahul had almost attained his fitness but he failed to clear his fitness Test at the National Cricket Academy(NCA).
“Sarfaraz will be making his debut. As KL has been ruled out for this Test, Sarfaraz will be getting his first game,” a source confirmed.
Despite facing setbacks, Sarfaraz Khan has demonstrated unwavering determination in recent years. Despite being overlooked for the first two Tests in favor of Rajat Patidar after Virat Kohli’s withdrawal, the 26-year-old did not lose faith. The day after the team selection, he showcased his resilience by scoring an impressive 161 against the England Lions.
“The game is all about patience. If we have to play Test cricket, we have to be patient. In life, there are times when we rush ourselves. I would get emotional about my wait to get into the team. My father always told me to keep working hard and I’ll be unstoppable. Having self-belief and patience is very important,” he told the bcci. tv on his Test call.
“More than myself, I am happy for my father. In a country that boasts such a huge population, it is a proud feeling to be part of the Indian team,” he added.
The 26-year-old also delved further into the day when he found out about his call up. “I was getting ready to play the Ranji Trophy. I had kept the India A clothes in the bag and was packing for my Ranji match. I got a call suddenly and got to know that I had been selected (to the Indian team),” he said.
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“I didn’t believe it at first. Then I informed everyone at home but my father was not there. I called him at his native place and he also became emotional. My wife, my mother and my father all were emotional. My only dream has been to fulfil his (father) desire to see me playing for the country. After the call up, it does feel like my hard work has paid off and I am very happy,” he added.
The wicket-keeper batsman Dhruv Jurel will make his first appearance in the Test starting on February 15. The 23-year-old player from Uttar Pradesh will take the place of KS Bharat who has been average in this Test series.
