Sarfaraz Khan, a 26-year-old cricketer from India, has been making waves in the domestic cricket scene, particularly representing Mumbai. His long-awaited Test debut against England in the 3rd T20I at Rajkot was a culmination of his consistent performance. Having showcased his talent in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2014 and 2016, Sarfaraz’s entry into Test cricket was highly anticipated due to his remarkable track record in the format over the past few seasons.
With an impressive record of 14 centuries and 11 fifties in 45 first-class matches, Sarfaraz boasts an outstanding average of 69.85, placing him among the elite few in the cricketing world. His debut Test cap, presented by Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble, was a poignant moment shared with his father, Naushad Khan, who has been his coach and a pillar of support throughout his journey.
Naushad Khan, a coach and father figure to Sarfaraz and his siblings, was visibly moved as he witnessed his son receive the coveted Test cap.
This emotional moment resonated deeply within the family and reverberated throughout the stadium, symbolizing the sacrifices made in pursuit of their cricketing dreams.
The significance behind Sarfaraz’s choice of jersey number 97 adds another layer to this heartwarming narrative. Both Sarfaraz and his brother Musheer don the number 97 jersey as a tribute to their father, Naushad Khan. The number 97 holds special significance as it represents their father’s name when interpreted in Hindi, with ‘Nau’ for 9 and ‘Saat’ for 7, spelling out ‘Naushad’.
As Sarfaraz proudly shared the image of his Test jersey adorned with the number 97 on his Instagram story, it marked not just a debut in Test cricket, but a culmination of familial support and a tribute to the guiding force behind his cricketing journey.
With Shreyas Iyer’s omission and KL Rahul’s absence, Sarfaraz’s Test debut was inevitable, solidifying his place in the playing XI alongside other talented cricketers. As he took to the field donning the number 97 jersey, Sarfaraz carried with him not only the weight of expectations but also the love and reverence for his father that fueled his journey to this moment.
