Ball Lagi Hai: Sarfaraz Khan Shares How He Persuaded Rohit Sharma to Take DRS
Sarfaraz Khan, the emerging talent on the Indian cricket team, has quickly become an impactful player both with the bat and in the field. During the second Test in Pune, while fielding at backward short leg, Sarfaraz urged captain Rohit Sharma to take a DRS (Decision Review System) despite skepticism from the rest of the team. His instincts were spot-on, as the DRS confirmed a faint contact between ball and the glove, resulting in New Zealand’s Will Young being dismissed on Day 1.
Reflecting on the moment, Sarfaraz explained how he convinced Rohit, saying he asked him to trust his intuition as he was confident there was contact. “I was sure I heard something. The bat was away from the pads, and I heard a noise as the ball went past the glove. So, I approached Rohit bhai and said, ‘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’m telling you, take it),” Sarfaraz revealed in a BCCI video.
Some members of the broadcast team later commented on the incident. Sound supervisor KN Srinivasa Rao noted, “I didn’t hear the sound since it was faint, but hawk-eye technology picks up the smallest noises. I initially thought it was not out, but it turned out otherwise.” Akanksha Pandey, the director’s assistant, also admitted her surprise: We were watching the replays and were surprised when it proved Sarfaraz right.
India’s Washington Sundar, one of the key bowlers that day, commended Sarfaraz’s determination. “Honestly, I was quite far from the play, so I didn’t hear anything. But Sarfaraz was absolutely convinced, and I’m glad he managed to sway Rohit bhai,” Sundar said.
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