NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has once again come forward to applaud young batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan, whose determined 150-run knock in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand has earned widespread praise.
Kaif emphasized that Sarfaraz’s fitness should not be a factor in team selection, saying the young cricketer’s skills far outweigh aesthetic expectations.
Referring to a previous post about Sarfaraz’s challenging childhood on X (formerly Twitter), Kaif wrote, “I have always maintained Sarfaraz shouldn’t be kept out because of fitness. He doesn’t have a gym body but can bat for hours. Cricket is a game that accommodates all.”
Sarfaraz’s gritty century on day four of the Bengaluru Test came as a crucial rescue act for India, helping them reduce New Zealand’s first-innings lead and pose a face-saving total ahead of the final day.
The 26-year-old, who was brought into the playing XI due to Shubman Gill’s stiff neck, redeemed himself after scoring a duck in the first innings.
His 110-ball century was studded with 13 fours and 3 sixes, highlighting both his resilience and attacking intent.
India vs New Zealand Test: Focus returns on India batters after high-scoring day
Sarfaraz reached the landmark in style, smashing a boundary off Tim Southee and celebrating with raised arms, sprinting across the pitch.
This was Sarfaraz’s maiden Test century. In just four Tests since debuting against England earlier this year, he has already racked up a ton along with four half-centuries, establishing himself as a promising future star for India.
Sarfaraz’s journey to the Indian Test team was hard-earned. With exceptional performances in domestic cricket, where he boasts a staggering first-class average of 69.09 across 51 matches, he forced the selectors to take notice.
Interestingly, Sarfaraz’s innings made him part of a rare feat in cricket—scoring both a duck and a century in the same Test.