IND vs ENG: Story Behind Sarfaraz Khan's Jersey Number 97
Sarfaraz Khan got his maiden India Test cap on Thursday, for IND vs ENG 3rd Test. And the reason behind him choosing the number 97 for his Test jersey is heart-warming. Read to know:
Sarfaraz Khan, Mumbai's middle-order batsman, earned his maiden Test cap for India, alongside wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, during the third India vs England Test of the ongoing five-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on on February 15 (Thursday). However, what caught the attention of many was Sarfaraz Khan’s jersey number. He was wearing the number 97 on his back, the same number that his younger brother Musheer Khan had worn during the recently concluded ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2024,
Sarfaraz Khan received his debut Test cap from the legendary Indian spinner, Anil Kumble. As the Mumbai batsman put on his Test shirt, the distinctive number 97 was displayed on his back. For those unfamiliar, Sarfaraz has consistently worn this unique number since childhood, continuing through his Under-19 cricket days and even in the Indian Premier League. Recently, his younger brother also sported the same jersey number in the U19 Cricket World Cup that India lost in the finals to Australia.
Watch The Emotional Video Of Sarfaraz Grtting His Maiden India Test Cap
A journey that is all heart 🫶🥹
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024
Hear from a proud father on a very memorable day for Sarfaraz Khan 🤗 - By @ameyatilak#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/Imk7OTuSVM
Story Behind Jersey Number 97
The rationale behind the choice of the number 97 holds a poignant significance as a tribute to their father, Naushad Khan, who has been their coach and mentor since their early years.
The number 97 is a symbolic representation, with ‘Nau’ and ‘Saat’ in Hindi denoting 9 and 7, respectively. Combining them forms ‘Nausaat,’ a phonetic match for ‘Naushad.’ This serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love towards their father, who has consistently been their unwavering supporter and a source of inspiration.
Naushad Khan, a former Ranji Trophy player, has devoted his life to nurturing the cricketing careers of his sons, making personal and financial sacrifices for their development. The choice of the number 97 reflects the deep appreciation and acknowledgment of their father's role in shaping their cricketing journeys. Furthermore, 97 also coincides with Sarfaraz's birth year, as he was born on October 22, 1997.
Sarfaraz Khan wears 97 jersey as a mark of respect to his father Naushad Khan (Nau = 9, Saat = 7).
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 15, 2024
Interestingly, Sarfaraz was also born in '97.#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/tpu07p2p8P
Hundred From Rohit & Jadeja Lead India's Recovery
Coming to the ongoing IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot, India faced a challenging start to their innings after opting to bat, finding themselves at 33-3 in 9 overs. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in stabilising the innings, partnering with Ravindra Jadeja. Sharma achieved a well-crafted century with 131 runs. Sarfaraz Khan, coming in at number four, aggressively took on the England bowlers from the beginning and reached his fifty in just 48 balls. Unfortunately, his innings was cut short when he was run out by Mark Wood due to a misjudged call by Jadeja at the striker's end in the 82nd over. Later in the innings, Jadeja also scored a century with an unbeaten 110 runs. At stumps on Day 1 of IND vs ENG 3rd Test, India stand at 326-5 in 96 overs.
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