How Suryakumar Yadav persuaded Sarfaraz Khan’s father to journey to Rajkot for his son’s debut Test

As a lot as India’s Test cap No. 311 belongs to Sarfaraz Khan, after years of overcoming the chances – on and off the sector, it does to Naushad Khan, his father-cum-coach. It was surreal for Naushad, and Romana Zahoor, Sarfaraz’s spouse, to wipe their tears as former India captain Anil Kumble offered Sarfaraz along with his prized blue cap on the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Thursday morning.

Had it not been for Suryakumar Yadav’s insistence, although, Naushad wouldn’t have been current on the sidelines to cherish the second that he aspired ever since Sarfaraz was just a little child.

With Romana having travelled with Sarfaraz to Rajkot, Naushad was planning to take care of his well being and assist Musheer Khan, his youthful son, put together for Mumbai’s subsequent C.Ok. Nayudu Trophy match. But on Wednesday, moments after Sarfaraz knowledgeable the household about his anticipated debut for the third Test, Suryakumar despatched a voice-note to Naushad.

“When my family was around when I received the Test cap last year in Nagpur, it was a surreal moment for all of us. You have to be there,” Suryakumar mentioned in his voice-note.

“That forced me to alter the plans and we tried to see if all of us can come down. Due to limited flight connectivity to Rajkot, we could get only one plane ticket, but after watching the dream of the family coming true, I feel it was worth coming down at the last minute,” Naushad mentioned.

Having himself gone via a chronic watch for an India call-up, albeit in a distinct format, Suryakumar has been backing Sarfaraz ever because the maverick batter was recalled into Mumbai’s aspect in 2019-20.

Sarfaraz has typically acknowledged how he and Musheer “have been living our father’s dream of playing for India”. Despite getting emotional on the maiden cap, Naushad has set the following goal for his ward. “It’s just the beginning, there is a long way to go,” Naushad mentioned.