Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has waxed lyrical on Sarfaraz Khan for his sensational batting display on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The 26-year-old Mumbai batter, who played in place of Shubman Gill, came up with a crucial role in India’s fightback, finishing the day unbeaten on 70.
Sarfaraz continues his red-hot form
With New Zealand holding a massive 356-run lead after the first innings, India were under immense pressure to respond in their second essay with the bat. While the opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma gave India a solid start, the duo fell in quick succession, leaving the hosts in a precarious position at 95/2.
However, Sarfaraz Khan walked out to bat and immediately took control of the situation. He smashed the New Zealand bowlers to all parts of the ground, showcasing his exceptional talent. His knock included seven boundaries and three sixes, propelling India’s comeback and ensuring that they finished the day on 231/3. While Sarfaraz may not play textbook strokes, he is as effective as anyone. He sweeps, reverse sweeps and looks fidgety most of the time. However, there are hardly any more consistent batters than Sarfaraz, who smashed a sumptuous double hundred in Mumbai’s Irani Cup win.
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Sanjay Manjrekar on Sarfaraz Khan
Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, drew comparisons between Sarfaraz Khan and the legendary Javed Miandad. “He (Sarfaraz) reminds me of a Javed Miandad of the 1980s but this is a 2024 version of a Javed Miandad,” he said. “Really impressed with the way he played. We know he plays spin well but I liked the way he played fast bowlers.”
The former Indian batter also praised Sarfaraz’s ability to play defensively and his willingness to play out the day, even when the light was fading. “And towards the end of the day’s play when he was looking to play defensively and wanting bad light when there was actually bright light. I loved the way he was ducking to bouncers, just trying to play the day out so he has that game as well and that augurs well for India and Sarfaraz Khan for Australia because he has shown that element of batting as well,” Manjrekar added.
Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive knock has given India a fighting chance to salvage a draw from the match. The hosts still trail by 125 runs with seven wickets in hand heading into the penultimate day.
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