Sarfaraz Khan has earned another opportunity to represent India in Test cricket, and his father, Naushad Khan, shared an emotional message after the Mumbai batter was recalled for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. Sarfaraz has been named Sai Sudharsan’s replacement after the latter was ruled out due to injury.
Sarfaraz last played for India against New Zealand in November 2024. That series ended in disappointment for the hosts, as India suffered their first home Test series defeat in 12 years and were whitewashed 3-0 on home soil.
The 28-year-old made his Test debut against England earlier in 2024 and was subsequently included in India’s squad for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, although he did not feature in any of the five Tests.
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Across six Tests and 11 innings, Sarfaraz has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three half-centuries. His highest Test score remains an impressive 150. Following his recall, Naushad delivered a heartfelt message celebrating his son’s perseverance and hard work.
“Bhale nikla hai kai raato ke baad suraj, lekin mehnat ko milta hai hamesha kismat ka saath,” Naushad said, highlighting the importance of patience, hard work and destiny.
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Sarfaraz has now joined the Indian team camp ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, which begins on Saturday, August 15. His return comes at an important stage for India as the team prepares for a challenging Test series.
The batter also enters the Sri Lanka tour with confidence after a productive stint in domestic and franchise cricket. His performances earned him a ₹75 lakh contract with Chennai Super Kings, and he scored 161 runs in seven innings during the campaign at a strike rate of nearly 170, including a half-century.
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Before joining the Indian Test squad, Sarfaraz also featured for Aakash Tigers MWS in the Mumbai T20 League. He produced an explosive run of form, scoring 161 runs in five innings at an average of 32.20 and an outstanding strike rate of 214.67, including a half-century. With his recent form and another chance at the international level, Sarfaraz will hope to make the most of his recall and cement his place in India’s Test setup.
