IND vs ENG 3rd Test | 'Start of a long career': Anil Kumble inspires debutant Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (Pic: Instagram/ @indiancricketteam)

Before the start of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot, former India spinner Anil Kumble handed the maiden test cap to Mumbai's prolific batsman Sarfaraz Khan.

While handing the cap to the youngster, Kumble said that he was "proud" of him for the way he came through. "His dad and the whole family would be extremely proud after seeing him play for India", Kumble added. The former cricketer also said that it was the start of a long career.

"Sarfaraz, I am really proud of the way you come through, am sure your dad and your family would be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve. I know you have done all the hard work and disappointments, but despite that all the runs that you have scored through the domestic season. Well done to you. I am sure you will have lots of wonderful memories today. Start of a long career. Only 310 people have played before you, so all the best," Kumble told Sarfaraz.

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Along with Sarfaraz Khan, one more player debuted for the hosts in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. Dinesh Karthik handed over the debut cap to Dhruv Jurel and said that it is a "divine and pure" feeling to represent India in whites.

He added when one player performs well in Test cricket, there's "tremendous satisfaction".

"All the tough things that must have happened to you in the journey. There must have been so many people on the journey and I know all of them are going to watch you today. You must have played many matches in different colours mostly blue but there's something divine and pure about wearing White and representing India in Test cricket. There's tremendous satisfaction that comes when you do well in this format....," Karthik told Dhruv.

Kumble handed his maiden Test cap to Sarfaraz. Meanwhile, Dhruv received his cap from Karthik before the third Test in Rajkot. After Sarfaraz received his Test cap, the 26-year-old's father couldn't control his tears watching the elder son get the maiden Test cap.

(With ANI Inputs)