Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar hailed centurions Rachin Ravindra and Sarfaraz Khan following their heroics in the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
New Zealand batter Rachin, who has roots in Bengaluru, scored his second Test century , guiding the visitors to a total of 402 in their first innings after bundling India out for 46 – their lowest Test score at home. He played a brilliant knock of 134 runs, laced with 13 fours and four sixes. Rachin also became the first New Zealand batter to score a Test century in India since 2012.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan registered his maiden Test ton in India’s second innings, partnering with Rishabh Pant to lead the charge on Saturday. The pair shared an unbroken 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket before rain halted play during the first session, forcing an early lunch. India were 344/3 after 71 overs, with Sarfaraz (125*) and Pant (53*) at the crease.
"Cricket has a way of connecting us to our roots. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a special connection with Bengaluru, where his family hails from! Another century to his name," Tendulkar wrote on X.
"And Sarfaraz Khan, what an occasion to score your first Test century, when India needed it most! Exciting times ahead for both these talented youngsters," he added.
Resuming from 70, Sarfaraz remained audacious in his approach, peppering the off-side boundary with cheeky backfoot cuts and slices. He found excellent support from Pant, who shifted gears to unleash his aggressive self after an initial phase of patience.
Pant executed a mistimed lofted shot off Henry over mid-on for four, while Sarfaraz reached his hundred in style – a backfoot punch off Southee that cleared the in-field for four. Sarfaraz ran with his bat held high and his arms aloft, removing his helmet, roaring with delight, and swinging his bat in celebration. Pant greeted him with a bear hug as the stadium rose to its feet to applaud a magnificent knock under pressure.
While Sarfaraz continued to paddle and dab his way to more boundaries, Pant cut loose by smashing Southee for six and four in succession. He showcased excellent footwork, hitting Ajaz Patel for two mighty sixes and surviving an LBW decision overturned upon review, which showed a big inside edge.
New Zealand then burned a review on the very next ball as Pant got bat on a skiddy delivery. Pant further piled on the runs with two more boundaries off Patel and Glenn Phillips , completing his fifty in 55 balls. His innings quashed concerns over his fitness, having earlier hobbled off the field after being struck on the right knee while keeping wickets on day two.
New Zealand batter Rachin, who has roots in Bengaluru, scored his second Test century , guiding the visitors to a total of 402 in their first innings after bundling India out for 46 – their lowest Test score at home. He played a brilliant knock of 134 runs, laced with 13 fours and four sixes. Rachin also became the first New Zealand batter to score a Test century in India since 2012.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan registered his maiden Test ton in India’s second innings, partnering with Rishabh Pant to lead the charge on Saturday. The pair shared an unbroken 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket before rain halted play during the first session, forcing an early lunch. India were 344/3 after 71 overs, with Sarfaraz (125*) and Pant (53*) at the crease.
Cricket has a way of connecting us to our roots. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a special connection with Bengaluru, where his family hails from! Another century to his name.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 19, 2024
And Sarfaraz Khan, what an occasion to score your first Test century, when India needed it most!… pic.twitter.com/ER8IN5xFA5
"Cricket has a way of connecting us to our roots. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a special connection with Bengaluru, where his family hails from! Another century to his name," Tendulkar wrote on X.
"And Sarfaraz Khan, what an occasion to score your first Test century, when India needed it most! Exciting times ahead for both these talented youngsters," he added.
Resuming from 70, Sarfaraz remained audacious in his approach, peppering the off-side boundary with cheeky backfoot cuts and slices. He found excellent support from Pant, who shifted gears to unleash his aggressive self after an initial phase of patience.
Pant executed a mistimed lofted shot off Henry over mid-on for four, while Sarfaraz reached his hundred in style – a backfoot punch off Southee that cleared the in-field for four. Sarfaraz ran with his bat held high and his arms aloft, removing his helmet, roaring with delight, and swinging his bat in celebration. Pant greeted him with a bear hug as the stadium rose to its feet to applaud a magnificent knock under pressure.
While Sarfaraz continued to paddle and dab his way to more boundaries, Pant cut loose by smashing Southee for six and four in succession. He showcased excellent footwork, hitting Ajaz Patel for two mighty sixes and surviving an LBW decision overturned upon review, which showed a big inside edge.
New Zealand then burned a review on the very next ball as Pant got bat on a skiddy delivery. Pant further piled on the runs with two more boundaries off Patel and Glenn Phillips , completing his fifty in 55 balls. His innings quashed concerns over his fitness, having earlier hobbled off the field after being struck on the right knee while keeping wickets on day two.
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