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'2024 Version Of Javed Miandad': Manjrekar Praises Sarfaraz Khan's Resilience Vs Kiwis

Sarfaraz Khan fights back for India in crucial Test against New Zealand (source - PTI)Sarfaraz Khan fights back for India in crucial Test against New Zealand (source - PTI)

Sarfaraz Khan received high praise from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who compared him to Pakistan's legendary Javed Miandad after his resilient performance in the ongoing Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz bounced back from a disappointing first innings, where he was dismissed for a three-ball duck by Matt Henry, to play a crucial unbeaten knock in the second innings. He is batting on 113* as of writing.

Sarfaraz Khan transitioned into the national team earlier this year after dominating domestic tournaments for years. He made his opportunity count against England in February. However, Khan was in for a tough challenge against New Zealand as the Bengaluru Test hung in the balance. 

Sarfaraz Khan gets compared to Javed Miandad

With a 356-run lead, the Kiwis had the upper hand, but Sarfaraz Khan joined Virat Kohli to build a 135-run partnership for the third wicket, with Khan staying unbeaten on 70* off 78 balls by the end of Day 3's play.

Having said that, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, said Sarfaraz Khan's innings reminded him of Pakistan great Javed Miandad's intelligent and gritty approach to batting in the 1980s. He referred to Khan as a 2024 modern version of Miandad.

"He (Sarfaraz) reminds me of a Javed Miandad of the 1980s but this is a 2024 version of a Javed Miandad. Really impressed with the way he played. We know he plays spin well but I liked the way he played fast bowlers," Manjrekar said.

Not only that, Manjrekar further applauded Sarfaraz's technique, especially against fast bowlers, noting how well the Indian batter ducked under bouncers and managed the situation towards the end of the day.

"I loved the way he was ducking to bouncers, just trying to play the day out so he has that game as well and that augurs well for India and Sarfaraz Khan for Australia because he has shown that element of batting as well,” he added.

Sarfaraz Khan's recent form

It's important to note that Sarfaraz Khan is coming off a stunning Irani Cup 2024 where he slammed a double hundred for team Mumbai. He became the first Mumbai player to hit a double ton in Irani Cup and also steered Mumbai to a title victory with a massive first inning lead. Hence, the Irani Cup experience and momentum will surely help Sarfaraz Khan in this Test.