Sarfaraz Khan apologised to India great Sunil Gavaskar. Read!
In the fifth Test match between India and England, Sarfaraz Khan faced criticism from the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar due to his questionable shot selection.
Sarfaraz Khan, who made his Test debut earlier in the series, showcased an aggressive batting style, amassing 56 runs off 59 deliveries. However, his shot following the tea break on the second day turned out to be costly, attempting a cut shot off Shoaib Bashir’s delivery and ultimately getting caught at slip.
Gavaskar expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity, stressing that the ball wasn’t pitched short enough for such a shot, especially after tea. He underscored the importance of assessing the situation and having a brief overview before opting for aggressive shots, referencing the advice of cricket legend Don Bradman.
Gavaskar’s frustration seemed to stem from a prior meeting with Sarfaraz at the team hotel in Dharamsala, where they discussed batting techniques.
According to UAE-based newspaper The National News, Shyam Bhatia, a Dubai-based businessman, facilitated the meeting between the two. In fact, Sarfaraz asked Bhatia to send his apology to Gavaskar.
“Sunil was telling him that the most important thing is selection of shots,” Shyam Bhatia told the newspaper.
“It is very important. He was talking to him for around 45 minutes. Then in the match, immediately after tea he got out to a very stupid shot. Sunil was so angry, and asked on commentary what he was doing. The next day, Sarfaraz was with me again and said, ‘Sir, please say sorry to Mr. Gavaskar – I made a mistake! I won’t make that mistake again.’”
Following the regrettable shot during the match, Sarfaraz conveyed his apology through Bhatia, acknowledging his mistake and pledging not to repeat it. Despite this setback, Sarfaraz Khan’s debut in the India vs. England test series stood out as a notable highlight, marked by three half-centuries in five innings.
His dismissal in the fifth Test, scoring 56 off 60 balls, occurred at a critical juncture after a promising partnership with Devdutt Padikkal. Gavaskar, disappointed with Sarfaraz’s performance, highlighted the imperative need for cautious shot selection in crucial situations during his commentary on JioCinema.
Read About Sarfaraz Khan…
Sarfaraz Khan is an Indian cricketer born on October 27, 1997, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. A talented right-handed batsman, he made his mark in domestic cricket, particularly for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
Sarfaraz Khan’s cricketing journey has been marked by early success and the promise of a bright future in Indian cricket. Born into a cricketing family, with his father Naushad Khan being a cricket coach, Sarfaraz was exposed to the sport from a young age. His cricketing talent became evident during his formative years, and he rose through the ranks in Mumbai’s cricketing circles.
In the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy season, Sarfaraz made his debut for Mumbai, showcasing his batting prowess as a young talent. His aggressive style and ability to play attacking shots quickly made him a notable figure in domestic cricket. Sarfaraz’s journey continued with impressive performances in age-group cricket, representing India at various levels.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) provided Sarfaraz Khan with a significant platform to display his skills on a grand stage. He was initially associated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore before moving on to the Punjab Kings. In the IPL, he gained recognition for his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play impactful innings in the T20 format.
Despite facing challenges, including injuries, Sarfaraz’s determination and talent have kept him in the spotlight. His performances in domestic cricket, coupled with his T20 exploits, contribute to the anticipation surrounding his potential contributions to Indian cricket. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, Sarfaraz Khan remains a name to watch for those enthusiastic about the future of Indian cricket.
