Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former Pakistan skipper, made a sensational comeback to the national Test side with a scintillating performance in the recently-concluded two-match series against New Zealand at home.
The right-handed batter, who was wearing the whites after almost four years, finished as the highest run-getter in the series with 335 runs to his credit in four innings. Sarfaraz played both Tests against the Black Caps, smashing three half-centuries and a splendid hundred to help Pakistan draw both games as the two-match leg ended in a draw of 0-0.
The 35-year-old veteran showed a hunger for scoring runs, and pulling his team out of trouble is in there. Even on the field, Sarfaraz, being the stand-in skipper in the absence of Babar Azam for an hour or two during the second Test, proved the his leadership qualities are still there.
After his match-saving knock in the second Test, many fans on social media suggested that Sarfaraz should lead Pakistan again and bring back the glory days. Even during the post-match presentation, a journalist asked about the same to the Karachi-born cricketer.
The journo said that Pakistan have seen leaders till 42 years, and Sarfaraz being a 35-year-old can still lead the Men in Green. Responding to the question, the veteran cricketer mentioned he has no interest in captaincy and urged everyone to support the current skipper Babar.
“As for playing, it all depends on your form and fitness. If you have the form and are fit, let alone 40, you can play till 42 as well. And, as far as captaincy is concerned, currently, Babar Azam is the team’s captain, and till the time he is in the role, we should all support him,” said Sarfaraz.
Here is the video:
🗣️ "Babar Azam is the captain right now and we should support him."
Sarfaraz Ahmed responds to a question about whether he would like to take up captaincy once again.#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/68lsZ1vj7D
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) January 6, 2023
Notably, Sarfaraz came in to bat when Pakistan were four down for 77. A few minutes later, Shan Masood was also gone, and the hosts were in deep trouble. However, Sarfaraz stood for his team and went on to score 118, taking Pakistan to the brink of victory before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell.
