Why Sarfaraz Wears No. 97 Jersey? Father Naushad Reveals Emotional Reason

Sarfaraz Khan had a memorable debut for the Indian cricket team as he scored a fast-paced 62 in the first innings of the third Test vs England. The talented batter from Mumbai reached the 50-run mark in just 48 balls making him the joint-fastest half-centurion debutant for India in the post-Independence era. Sarfaraz Khan’s international debut was an emotional moment for the cricketer as well as his family. His father Naushad could be seen wiping his tears as Sarfaraz received the Test cap from Anil Kumble. 

In the Test match, Sarfaraz wore the jersey no. 97. During an interview with Aaj Tak, Naushad said that Sarfaraz and his younger brother Musheer Khan, who recently played for India at the U19 World Cup, wear the jersey no. 97 as a tribute to him. It’s pronunciation – nau (nine) and saat (seven) –  is loosely similar to his  name. 

“Apne dekha hoga unke T-shirt ke peeche jo naam hai naa, number hai naa, vo Nau (9) aur Saat (7) hai. Actually, vo mera he naam hai. Hindi mein aap usko Nau (9) aur Saat (7) padh sakte hai. Toh aisa lagta hai ki bass wahi gaye hai aur main stance liya hoon. Main iss tarike se chauke maar raha hoon, chakke maar raha hoon,” Naushad said.

After grinding in domestic cricket for years, the biggest moment in Sarfaraz’s career came on Thursday as he earned the India cap from the hands of the legendary Anil Kumble. Before the start of the match, however, even India skipper Rohit Sharma had a heartwarming conversation with Sarfaz’s father who was in attendance as his son realised his dream of representing India. 

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rohit could be heared congratulating Sarfaraz’s father while also acknowledging the sacrifices he made to help his son become a professional cricketer. 

“Everyone knows what you have done, how much sacrifices and hard work you have done for Sarfaraz. Many many Congratulations to both of you,” said Rohit in the video.

Sarfaraz’s father then told Rohit, “Dhyan rakhana sarfaraz ka sir (Please take care of Sarfaraz sir”). The Indian captain was humble in with his response as he always is saying, “Arrey Bilkul Bilkul (definitely)”.

Sarfaraz’s hard work came to fruition when he smashed a stylish 62 of 66 balls while coming in at number six on his debut. He put on a sparkling show of batting and looked on course to hit a big score.

However, miscommunication with star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the middle cut short his brilliant debut innings as he was run out by Mark Wood at the non-striker’s end. Both the batters build a partnership of 77 runs.