India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has high hopes for Sarfaraz Khan, describing him as a “domestic beast.” Nayar is eager for Sarfaraz to carry his impressive domestic form into international cricket, specifically by aiming for a triple hundred in the ongoing Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. After a challenging start, where India was bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings, Sarfaraz played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence, scoring 70* on Day 3 and following it up with an unbeaten 125 on Day 4.
Sarfaraz’s performance has been crucial in helping India recover, as they reached 344/3 by the lunch break on Day 4. He formed a vital 135-run partnership with Virat Kohli on Day 3 and collaborated with Rishabh Pant to build another century-plus partnership for the fourth wicket.
With India trailing by just 12 runs, Nayar emphasized the importance of Sarfaraz converting his maiden Test century into a significant score, ideally a triple hundred—a milestone well within his reach. Nayar expressed confidence in Sarfaraz, noting his history of scoring double and triple centuries in domestic cricket, and hopes to see that form translate to the international stage.
In addition to praising Sarfaraz, Nayar also acknowledged Virat Kohli’s critical contribution of 70 runs before his dismissal on the final ball of Day 3. He recognized Kohli’s scoring as a positive sign for the team’s chances.
As Day 4 progressed, Sarfaraz and injured wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant looked solid, combining for a 100-run partnership, with Sarfaraz’s dynamic century and Pant’s half-century placing India in a strong position at lunch, just 12 runs away from New Zealand’s total.
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