'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has lauded Sarfaraz Khan following the latter’s maiden Test ton in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Day 4 (Saturday, October 19). Kaif pointed out that Sarfaraz shouldn’t have been overlooked for his fitness in the past as he can bat for hours. The cricketer-turned-commentator added that a gym body is not essential for success at batting.
Mohammad Kaif wrote on X:
“I have always maintained Sarfraz 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 accomodates all.”
Kaif had also recently lauded Sarfaraz for his double century in the Irani Cup after being overlooked for the Test series against Bangladesh. Back then, he wrote:
“Sarfaraz Khan has gone through a lot in life. Tough childhood, criticism over fitness, unsuccessful switch to UP but everytime he has bounced back. Irani double hundred shows India is lucky to have him on the bench.”
“Stop playing Ranji Trophy” – When Sunil Gavaskar slammed selectors for ignoring Sarfaraz Khan for Test series in West Indies
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar shared similar sentiments as Mohammad Kaif when Sarfaraz Khan was ignored for the Test series in West Indies last year. Gavaskar told India Today (via Hindustan Times):
"Sarfaraz Khan has been scoring at an average of 100 in all past three seasons. What does he have to do to be picked in the squad? He might not be in the XI, but you pick him in the team.”
"Tell him that his performances are being recognised. Otherwise, stop playing Ranji Trophy. Say, it's of no use, you just play IPL and think you are good enough for the red-ball game as well,” he added.
Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England earlier this year. The right-handed batter scored 200 runs in five innings with the help of three half-centuries.
As far as the first India vs New Zealand Test is concerned, the hosts were 351/3 at the time of writing, with Sarfaraz (126 off 156) and Rishabh Pant (59 off 62) at the crease. The Men in Blue are currently trailing by five runs in the second innings.
Follow the IND vs NZ 1st Test live score and updates here.
