While Team India did the cap presentation ceremony in a huddle shortly before the toss, Sarfaraz’s father, Naushad Khan stood at a distance and couldn’t control his emotions and tears came out.
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Injured KL Rahul was ruled out of ahead of the match, which brought Sarfaraz into the picture.
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel also made his India debut and was awarded the Test cap along with Sarfaraz.
Sarfaraz’s father Naushad Khan kisses son’s Test cap. (Video grab)
With batting mainstay Virat Kohli absent due to personal reasons and KL Rahul nursing a thigh strain, India introduced 26-year-old Sarfaraz into the lineup, rewarding his impressive domestic form.
Additionally, young wicketkeeper-batsman Jurel was chosen for his attacking batting style over Srikar Bharat, who had kept wickets in the previous two Tests.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, with the series level at 1-1 after two matches.
“Rajkot is supposed to be a good pitch. It is a good toss for us to win to bat first and put runs on the board,” expressed Rohit Sharma, underlining the importance of setting a solid foundation in the match.
In the bowling department, paceman Mohammed Siraj and spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made their returns to the playing XI, while Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel were left out for this encounter.
Meanwhile, for England, the only change in their lineup saw fast bowler Mark Wood replacing spinner Shoaib Bashir as they geared up for skipper Ben Stokes’s 100th Test match.
Reflecting on the series so far, Stokes expressed contentment with England’s performance, stating, “We have been very happy with how we have gone about things in the first two Tests.”
With both teams aiming to seize the momentum in this crucial encounter, the stage is set for an enthralling battle as the series progresses.
Ind vs Eng test series: Sarfaraz Khan gets maiden India call up for 2nd test against England
(With inputs from Reuters)