IND vs ENG 2024: “Only 310 people have played before you” – Anil Kumble’s words of wisdom to Sarfaraz Khan while handing Test cap

Legendary Anil Kumble congratulated and gave his best wishes to Sarfaraz Khan, who became the 311th Test cricketer for India. Khan was finally rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic circuit as he is finally making his Test debut against England at Rajkot.

Khan has amassed 3912 runs at an average of 69.85 in 45 first-class games and recently scored a fine knock of 161 runs off just 160 balls against England Lions in the second unofficial Test for India A.

In fact, in 2019 and 2020, Khan scored his runs with an unbelievable average of 154 and 122 respectively. Thus, the youngster was knocking on the selection doors for a long time and he was finally rewarded by the selectors and team management for all the hard toil.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Kumble said: “Sarfu, really proud of you, the way you have come through. I am sure your dad and family will be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work, there were some disappointments but despite that, all the runs you’ve scored through the domestic season, well done to you. And I am sure you’ll have lots of wonderful memories today. It’s the start of a long career, only 310 people have played before you. All the best.”

On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel is also making his Test debut as he replaced KS Bharat in the final XI. The youngster received his maiden Test cap from Dinesh Karthik. The cricketer-cum-commentator said it is always a special feat to play Test cricket for India.

“It’s a very special occasion. Coming from Agra and moving to Noida at a very young age, your mother being there with you, and all the tough things that must have happened in the journey. There must have been so many people through the journey that must have helped you and I am sure all of them are going to be watching today. You must have played a lot of matches in different colors, mainly blue, but there is something very pure and divine about representing India in Test cricket.”

“It is the toughest format of the game, it’s relentless, but there is tremendous satisfaction that comes from doing well in this format. The satisfaction you get when you win a Test match after five days, not many feelings can come close to that. I am sure your dad is watching today, your biggest hero, and he will be really proud of you and happy like everybody else are. What you’ve done in this short period and achieved, like Rinku Singh, who has been your roommate for some time, he has done special things in the last six months,” he added.

India were 93-3 at lunch after Rohit Sharma decided to bat at Rajkot with Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel yet to bat.