Sarfaraz Khan’s journey in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand has been nothing short of remarkable. His first Test hundred has swiftly become a tale of resilience and determination, marking a significant turn of events from a disappointing start. Having been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, Sarfaraz transformed his game, guiding his team from a deficit of 251 runs to take a 52-run lead before his dismissal on 150 runs. The Indian team, boosted by his efforts, was thrilled with his animated celebrations upon reaching this milestone, filled with energy and comical antics that left the dressing room in splits.
An unforgettable partnership with Rishabh Pant, valued at 177 runs, has been the talk of the match, punctuated by moments that are quickly becoming viral sensations. One such moment was Sarfaraz’s earnest efforts to grab Pant’s attention to halt his run for a second, a consequence of temporarily forgetting Pant’s pre-existing injury during the high-octane innings. Sarfaraz confessed the mid-run realization of Pant’s condition only added to the collective amusement and relief as no harm befell them.
Rewind to just over a month ago at the same venue, where Sarfaraz and Pant had engaged in a similar aggressive counterattack, sharing a 72-run stand off just 55 deliveries during a critical period in Pant’s red-ball cricket comeback. Their strategy against an opposing lineup boasting the talents of Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav led to a memorable victory, drawing parallels on strategies that re-emerged in this Test. Within that previous innings, Sarfaraz delivered a flurry of boundaries against Akash Deep, including five back-to-back hits, setting a tone for remarkable achievements that echoed into this Test century, particularly via a deft shot past the gully which would come to symbolize his innings.
On this occasion, Sarfaraz showcased an array of shots, mostly behind the square on the off side, a favorite hunting ground that yielded him 58 out of his 92 Test runs during this striking display. With a display of creativity and precision, Sarfaraz executed a range of shots, whether staying put to bunt a length ball, arching his back for a ramp shot, or opting for audacious upper-cuts, leaving little space uncovered. Both pace and spin bowlers fell victim to his well-timed shots, with Sarfaraz often exploiting spaces past gully or wide of the third man as he faced deliveries from all around the off-side angle.
New Zealand’s strategy had initially seemed sound – targeting the short stature of Sarfaraz on a pitch offering bounce – yet it unfolded contrary to their plans. Sarfaraz turned these deliveries into opportunities, making his response both risky yet rewarding enough to compel the Kiwis to abandon this method.
. As articulated by Will O’Rourke, who claimed seven wickets in the match, Sarfaraz outplayed them with his well-honed skill set. “He played me really well, especially targeting that angle of delivery. We hoped to get the better of him, but he responded with masterful technique. His strength, without doubt, became a challenge for us,” O’Rourke observed at the end of the fourth-day play.
Central to Sarfaraz’s cricketing prowess is a personalized technique, deeply influenced by his father Naushad Khan, whom Sarfaraz refers to as the “family doctor.” His father had provided unique training facilities that replicated various playing conditions, significantly contributing to Sarfaraz’s skill development. Although unorthodox, this personalized approach has gained recognition and appreciation, with teammates like Kuldeep Yadav acknowledging its impact.
Reflecting on his performance on the fourth day, Sarfaraz commented, “It’s always special to play on bouncy wickets. We’ve got similar conditions back at home in Mumbai, which allows me to regularly practice and adapt. They aimed at short balls, and I simply responded as I usually do.”
Despite Sarfaraz’s gritty century, the match outcome remains uncertain, with India facing a mixed day’s results, leaving some aspects of the game unresolved. Tasked with a target of 107 against New Zealand, Sarfaraz remains optimistic, refusing to concede. “The pitch is challenging, but we’re still in the game. A couple of quick wickets can change everything,” he asserted. After an inspiring innings that breathed new hope into the team, Sarfaraz looks ahead, expecting his team to capitalize and deliver decisive blows on the final day.