IND vs ENG 2024: If we have to play Test cricket, we have to be patient: Sarfaraz Khan on maiden India call-up

‘Good things come to those who wait’ is a famous adage and it suits Sarfaraz Khan. It is not easy to get an entry to India’s Test squad and Khan must have realized it after scoring a truckload of runs in the domestic circuit.

However, the 26-year-old, who is often questioned about his fitness, broke the selection doors with a hammer as he was added to India’s squad for the second Test against England after KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out due to injuries.

It took 3912 runs at an average of 69.85 in 45 first-class games, including 14 first-class centuries, from Khan’s blade to convince selectors that he belongs at the top level with the big boys. Khan feels he not only needed to be patient for his maiden call-up but also possess monk-like patience while batting in the pristine form of the game.

“The game is all about patience. If we have to play Test cricket, we have to be patient. In life, there are times when we rush ourselves. I would get emotional about my wait to get into the team. My father always told me that keep working hard and you’ll be unstoppable. Having self belief and patience is very important,” Sarfaraz Khan said in an interview with BCCI.

“More than myself, I am happy for my father. In a country that boasts such a huge population, it is a proud feeling to be part of the Indian team,” he added.

Khan revealed he was getting ready for the Ranji Trophy game when he received a call for his maiden call-up, “I was getting ready to play the Ranji Trophy. I had kept the India A clothes in the bag and was packing for my Ranji match. I got a call suddenly and got to know that I had been selected (to the Indian team).”

“I didn’t believe it at first. Then I informed everyone at home but my father was not there. I called him at his native place and he also became emotional. My wife, my mother and my father all were emotional. My only dream has been to fulfil his (father) desire to see me playing for the country. After the call up, it does feel like my hard work has paid off and I am very happy,” he added.

India was 103-2 at lunch on the opening day.