IND vs ENG 2024: “Sarfaraz Khan is a good example for budding cricketers” – Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has heaped praise on Sarfaraz Khan, stating the youngster is a good example of a budding cricketer. Khan scored a fine knock of 62 runs in his maiden Test innings against England at Rajkot but he was sold down the river by Ravindra Jadeja.

Furthermore, Khan scored an unbeaten knock of 68 runs off 72 balls in the second innings. Khan added 172 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a fine knock of 214 runs.

Meanwhile, Khan was able to break into India’s Test squad after consistent performances in the domestic circuit. He has been averaging around 70 and deserved his place in the final XI at the top level.

Moreover, Khan became the fourth Indian batter to score twin fifties on debut. Khan joined the elite list of Dilawar Hussain, Sunil Gavaskar, and Shreyas Iyer.

On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his rich form, scoring a fantastic 214 in the second innings at Rajkot. Ganguly said Jaiswal is an all-format player for India.

“Jaiswal is not only a good player, he’s capable of playing all in formats of the game. Sarfaraz has started well. He now has to score in foreign countries. Sarfaraz is a good example for budding cricketers, who must keep in mind that if they score consistently, they will get their chances,” Ganguly said in an interaction with Mid Day.

Meanwhile, India won the Rajkot Test by a mammoth margin of 434 runs. The hosts were also without the services of Ravichandran Ashwin on the third day’s play due to a family emergency but the rest of the bowlers did the job for Rohit Sharma.

“India are so confident that they allowed R Ashwin to go back home in the middle of a Test. India look much more motivated in this series.,” Ganguly added.

Ganguly noted that England is struggling despite India missing players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Shami.

“Bazball is good, but it’s difficult for England to be successful in Indian conditions. I will be surprised if India lose the series. Please remember that India are playing without Virat [Kohli], KL [Rahul]. It’s a young team with many new faces, and yet, England are struggling,” Ganguly explained.

India and England will next take on each other at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi in the fourth Test match from Friday.