October 19, 2024: In a thrilling Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, young stars Rachin Ravindra and Sarfaraz Khan captured the attention of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar with their outstanding performances.
Sachin Tendulkar, reflecting on their performances, wrote on X, “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. 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.”
Rachin Ravindra, who is of Indian descent, anchored New Zealand’s innings with a gritty knock of 134. His partnerships, particularly a dynamic 137-run stand with Tim Southee, were crucial in pushing New Zealand to a solid score of 402. Rachin’s innings featured an array of explosive shots, including a series of sweeps against India’s Kuldeep Yadav, showcasing his adaptability in challenging conditions. His resilience and ability to handle the pressure were instrumental in keeping New Zealand competitive.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan stole the spotlight for India with a magnificent 150. Batting alongside Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz played an aggressive, counter-attacking innings that not only wiped out a 125-run deficit but also gave India a vital 40-run lead. His late cuts and steady strike rotation kept the scoreboard ticking, and his partnership with Pant significantly shifted the game in India’s favor. After Sarfaraz’s dismissal, Pant continued the onslaught, falling just short of a century with a quick-fire 99 before the tea break.
Both Rachin and Sarfaraz’s remarkable displays underline their potential as future stars of international cricket. Their contributions, in the face of intense pressure, have set the stage for a thrilling Test match and demonstrated their ability to perform on the big stage.
