Sarfaraz Khan’s astute observation and unwavering conviction played a pivotal role in India’s successful review against New Zealand on Day 1 of the second Test in Pune. Despite initial skepticism from his teammates, Khan’s insistence that the ball had brushed Will Young’s glove prompted skipper Rohit Sharma to take a DRS, which ultimately resulted in Young’s dismissal.
Khan, fielding at backward short-leg, noticed a subtle noise as the ball passed Young’s bat and glove. Sensing a possible contact, he approached Sharma and urged him to trust his instincts. “I knew there was contact, but there is always room for misjudgment,” Khan explained. “But I heard a noise and hence, felt there was something involved.”
Khan’s confidence stemmed from his close proximity to the action. “I was at backward short leg so when the ball was going past his bat and glove, I noticed that the bat was away from the pads. I heard a noise and that’s when I went to Rohit bhai and told him, ‘Rohit bhai, mere pe bharosa karo. Ball lagi hai, aap lo review. Main bol raha hu aapko, lo (Trust me. The ball has hit something, just take the review. I am telling you, take it),'” Khan said.
Technical members of the broadcasting team initially expressed doubts about the contact, but the hawk-eye technology confirmed Khan’s suspicions. “I did not hear the sound, as it is very feeble,” said KN Srinivasa Rao, a sound supervisor. “But the hawk-eye has a different technology, which can identify the smallest of small sounds.”
Akanksha Pandey, the director’s assistant, also admitted to being surprised by the outcome. “We were surprised when we saw the replays. We were watching the pictures that the director was cutting, and we were smiling because everybody is always convinced when they are trying to talk the captain into taking the DRS.”
Washington Sundar, one of India’s star bowlers on the first day, praised Khan’s persistence. “Honestly, I was a good 70-80 meters away from the middle, so I had no idea. I obviously didn’t hear any sound, but Sarfaraz seemed to be very convinced with it. Really happy that Sarfaraz eventually convinced Rohit bhai,” said Sundar.
Khan’s sharp observation and unwavering belief in his instincts not only contributed to Young’s dismissal but also highlighted his growing influence within the Indian team. His ability to make crucial decisions under pressure is a testament to his maturity and leadership qualities.
