"Father Wanted To Play For India": Sarfaraz Khan's Revelation After Record-Breaking Fifty

All that Sarfaraz Khan wanted since the beginning of his cricket journey as a six-year-old was to become an international player in front of his father. Two decades later, that dream came true on Thursday for the Mumbaikar when he was handed his Test cap ahead of the third match against England by no less than former captain Anil Kumble with his father Naushad watching tearfully. As was expected, he proved his worth with a half-century which could have been a bigger knock if not for the run-out at non-striker's end following a mix-up with unbeaten centurion Ravindra Jadeja.

The 26-year-old was, however, too happy to have any complaints.

"Coming to the ground for the first time and getting the cap in front of my father. I was six years old when he started my cricket (training). It was my dream to play for the Indian team in front of him," Sarfaraz told the media here after the end of the day's play in which India were 326/5.

India's Test cap No 311, Sarfaraz gave a fine account of himself with a rapid 62.

Naushad was overwhelmed on Thursday. He had not even planned to visit Rajkot to watch his son but landed in the city on the eve of the game.

Tears, hugs and joy swept through the Khan family with Sarfaraz's wife present beside his father.

"I was padded up for almost four hours (in the dressing room). I kept thinking that I have kept so much patience in life and there is no harm in keeping some more.

"After I went in, I was nervous for the first few balls but I have practiced and worked so hard that everything went well," Sarfaraz said detailing his Test experience.

Sarfaraz said runs and performances did not matter to him as much as playing for India with his father there to watch him.

"It was my father's dream to play