Image Credit- PTI
After tea on the third day in Bengaluru, a tiny but lively Saturday audience came to life thanks to the daring batsmen Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant.
Despite leading by 90 runs in the first innings, India B were in trouble at 22 for 3. Up until Pant and Sarfaraz made the decision to go on the offensive, a contest was in progress.
In keeping with his usual style, Sarfaraz began the celebration in a way that was very different from his brother Musheer Khan, who had just been strangled down leg for a duck after scoring an incredible eighteen1 in the opening innings.
When Sarfaraz hit a half-volley that broke past replacement Tilak Varma’s hands at extra cover, he was given his first life on zero. It would be the beginning of a small competition between Khaleel, Avesh Khan, and Sarfaraz, who are all 2016 batchmates for the India Under-19 team.
The pair who were bowling quickly were making fun of him and his words, while Pant, who was in the same batch, laughed, maybe realising that this was a match that would be interesting to watch from the other side. Sarfaraz’s competitive spirit seemed to be sparked by the light-hearted banter.
He would instantly return his attention by smashing five consecutive fours to Akash. He sprayed every part of the ground, from cover to point to deep third to fine leg and deep square, with a thundering drive, rasping cut, delicate steer, neat tickle down leg, and wristy whip.
It felt ridiculous by now to think Pant would settle in and take in the Sarfaraz concert. He didn’t and thus had a risky life from the start. Recalling the bold reverse to James Anderson, a reverse scoop off Akash soared between KL Rahul and Jurel at first slip, leaving neither player with time to react.
Then came a mile-high heave across the line, as if he’d been set free by a free hit in a Twenty20 match. The ball just eluded Jurel as he ran all the way back towards fine leg, shouting and indicating to Kuldeep Yadav to move aside. It was a mistake by Jurel; at fine leg, the ball would have gone straight down Kuldeep’s lap.
Pant then made the decision to face Khaleel’s short ball. The bowlers were even more furious as a result of this. Pant sent the ball off the gloves and over the slip cordon because he was so early in the hook shot.
Khaleel was so furious about it that you had to wonder what would happen if Sarfaraz was allowed to stop bowling on 28. Naturally, there was further disbelief and frustration. With lively friendliness, Khaleel exchanged a smile and few words.
But this was not the end of this exhilarating adventure. Sarfaraz attempted to hit the leather of a ball that was neither short enough to be a good length nor full enough to be a half-volley in that same over. With a flat six, it soared above the pitch right away. For Khaleel, there was not much else to say at this point.
Sarfaraz was aiming for at least fifty years old. Struggling to continue, he slashed one at Jurel. Having earlier made jokes with him, Avesh leaped over Sarfaraz in joy and bid him farewell.
Pant lost it, hitting Kuldeep for a run of 4, 0, 6, 0, 1 to reach a half-century off 34 balls. A dull afternoon was brightened by the innocence of the big hits, the conviction in going straight after the bowlers, and his unrestrained playing, as always. He scored 61 off Tanush Kotian’s tame sweep with a top edge, but he knew he had done his job and left.
Saini and Mukesh picked up three wickets each to help India B take a lead. Khaleel and Akash struck early, and then, Pant and Sarfaraz happened.