On Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand, Washington Sundar shined as India’s top performer, but Sarfaraz Khan made headlines as well with a remarkable moment of intuition. Sarfaraz, fresh from a powerful 150 in the previous Bengaluru Test, stepped into the spotlight on Thursday by urging Rohit Sharma to take a decisive DRS review that led to Will Young's dismissal.
As the ball brushed past Young’s bat and pad, Sarfaraz, positioned close to the bat, was the only player to hear a faint sound. While bowler Ravichandran Ashwin and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant remained uncertain, Sarfaraz was confident. When Rohit sought confirmation, Sarfaraz eagerly insisted, pushing the captain to trust his instincts. His conviction paid off, as the ultra-edge technology showed a small spike, reversing umpire Richard Illingworth's decision and giving India their second wicket of the day.
Sarfaraz recounted that he was certain of the contact as soon as the ball passed Young, adding that he took it upon himself to convince Rohit. He explained to the BCCI that he had noticed the bat was distant from the pad and heard a distinct noise. Recalling the moment, Sarfaraz shared how he encouraged the captain, saying, “Rohit bhai, trust me, the ball has made contact. Take the review, I’m certain.”
This bold call cemented Sarfaraz’s role in India’s early successes, showcasing his keen eye and adding to his growing reputation as an essential presence on the field.