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In the wake of India’s young sensation Sarfaraz Khan’s remarkable Test debut in Rajkot, cricket enthusiasts are not only applauding the newcomer’s outstanding performance but also revisiting a nostalgic moment from the past. An old video featuring former Indian skipper Virat Kohli bowing down to a 17-year-old Sarfaraz during an IPL match has resurfaced and gone viral across social media platforms.
Sarfaraz’s sensational Test debut
Sarfaraz Khan’s journey to the Indian Test team was a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Despite a prolonged wait, the Mumbai batter seized the opportunity on his debut with an impressive half-century. Though a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja led to his unfortunate run-out, Sarfaraz’s positive mindset and exceptional performance left a lasting impression on fans.
The Virat-Sarfaraz connection
The viral video that has captivated the cricketing community dates back to the IPL 2015 season when Sarfaraz made his first appearance in the cash-rich league for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise at the tender age of 17. While he might not have left a significant mark in his debut IPL game, Sarfaraz showcased his explosive batting prowess in the subsequent match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), scoring a scintillating 45 runs off just 21 balls.
Virat Kohli bows down to Sarfaraz Khan
What made the moment truly special was the gesture of Virat, the then captain of RCB, bowing down to the teenage sensation as he walked back to the pavilion after his innings. This heartwarming act of respect from one cricketer to another has resurfaced, flooding social media with love and appreciation for both Virat and Sarfaraz.
Here’s the video:
Sarfaraz khan virat kohli #Sarfarazkhan #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/4Y9bxPljsP
— Tanzeem (@Tanzeem1221868) February 10, 2024
Also READ: IPL 2024 – 7 overseas pacers to watch out in the upcoming season
Sarfaraz’s cricketing journey
While Sarfaraz’s IPL journey might not have unfolded as anticipated, he continued to prove his mettle in domestic cricket, consistently amassing runs and knocking on the doors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The hard work finally paid off when he received his maiden call-up to the national team for the Test series against England and went on to score a sensational 62 runs off 66 deliveries in his debut innings for India.
Virat’s absence from the India-England series
It’s worth noting that Virat is currently absent from the ongoing five-match series between India and England. The prolific batter opted out of the series due to undisclosed personal reasons, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return to the field. Kohli was last seen in action during a T20I game against Afghanistan.
