Sanjay Manjrekar hails Sarfaraz Khan as a big boost ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Sarfaraz Khan played a gem of a knock that redefined aggression in Namma Chinnaswamy in the first Test against New Zealand. He blasted a brilliant 150 in the second innings that spearheaded the charge for Team India while he had support from Rishabh Pant. Former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar, was absolutely delighted with what he saw from the hard-hitting middle order batter who completely changed the game for Rohit Sharma and his men before the late collapse on Day 4.

Talking to ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar said, “The talking point has to be Sarfaraz Khan, because he reminds me of a Javed Miandad in the 1980s, but this is the 2024 version of a Javed Miandad. Really impressed with the way he played, we know that he plays spin well, but the way he played the fast bowlers, towards the end of the day’s play, when he was playing defensively, and he was wanting bad light when there was actually bright light.”

He further added, “I love the way that he was ducking into bouncers, and was trying to play the day out. He has that game as well, that augurs well for India and Sarfaraz Khan ahead of the series against Australia.”

Despite Sarfaraz Khan’s brilliance in the second innings, a late collapse saw India getting bundled out for 462. With a target of 107, the Kiwis couldn’t bat any further than four balls as bad lights and late rain drew the curtains on the third day.