Sarfaraz Khan's unwavering determination and sustained excellence in first-class cricket has finally been rewarded, as the 26-year-old receives his maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the upcoming second Test against England in Vizag, commencing on Friday, February 2. With impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy, India A, and other first-class matches over the past few years, Sarfaraz has consistently piled on runs, boasting an impressive average of 69.85 in red-ball cricket. There is no doubt that his call-up is well-deserved, as there is no one more deserving than him for this opportunity.
Suryakumar Yadav, Sarfaraz's teammate from Mumbai, extended his best wishes to Sarfaraz on Instagram, stating, "Maiden India call-up. Utsav ki taiyaarri karo." (Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul Ruled Out Of 2nd Test; Sarfaraz Khan Finally Gets Maiden India Call Up)
Meanwhile, fans enthusiastically welcomed Sarfaraz into the Indian team, expressing their joy through memes and film references following the announcement. Here are some of the reactions:
Checkout the reactions here:
Suryakumar Yadav's Latest Instagram story for Sarfaraz Khan
Suryakumar Yadav is happy for Sarfaraz Khan as he received his Maiden India Test call-up. pic.twitter.com/gV49KmD2M7
Jay Cricket (@Jay_Cricket18) January 29, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan finally gets his maiden India call-up. All the hardwork in the first class cricket has finally paid off, well deserved.#INDvsENGpic.twitter.com/GUPPrCVJFK
Anunay (@AnunayAnand18) January 29, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan's Record in First Class Cricket:
Ranji 2019/20 - 928 Runs, 154.7 Average.
Ranji 2021/22 - 982 Runs, 122.8 Average.
Ranji 2022/23 - 556 Runs, 92.6 Average.
For India A 2024 - 186 Runs, 52 Average.His hard work over the years is now paid off pic.twitter.com/Nb3qkfGfOZ
Suhana (@suhana18_) January 29, 2024
If you are consistent sooner or later you will get your reward.
Sarfaraz Khan has been added to the squad after showing remarkable performances consistently in domestic cricket #INDvENGRohit Jaiswal (@rOHit__Rj) January 29, 2024
Sarfaraz Khan Bhai GILL & IYER ke Muh peh runs marna.....
Holdin MyGrøinn (@MikamEnyorrmum) January 29, 2024
Long wait
Well deserved, Sarfaraz Khan #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/uKMkalZDFJ
CricJigyasa (@CricJigyasa) January 29, 2024
Lo aa gaya sarfaraz
Well deserved #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/D8R9B2Vca3Siddw15 (@siddw15) January 29, 2024
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced that Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test match against England due to injuries. The second Test match will start on February 02 in Vizag. India lost the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad on Sunday.
"Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during play on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad. Rahul complained of right quadriceps pain. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring the progress of the duo," the BCCI said in a release.
Meanwhile, the Men's Selection Committee have added Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India's squad. Meanwhile, this was the maiden call for Sarfaraz in the Test squad. ('One Day We Will Miss Virat Kohli, The Captain', Ex-IND Cricketer's Post From 2021 Goes Viral After India Lose 1st Test Vs England)
On the other hand, Saransh Jain has been named as a replacement for Washington Sundar in the India A squad for the third and final multi-day game against England Lions starting February 1, 2024, in Ahmedabad. (Jasprit Bumrah Punished By ICC For 'Inappropriate' Physical Contact With Ollie Pope During Hyderabad Test)
Avesh Khan will continue to travel with his Ranji Trophy team, Madhya Pradesh and will join the Test squad if required. After losing the first Test match, Team India are set to play the second match of the series on February 2 in Vizag.
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. (With ANI inputs)