'2024 version of Javed Miandad': Sarfaraz Khan gets unique praise from Sanjay Manjrekar in first Test

Former Indian cricketer and now pundit Sanjay Manjrekar gave special praise to Indian batsman Sarfaraz Khan after Day 3 of the first Test between India and New Zealand. Sarfaraz scored his half-century over a run-a-ball and then ended the day unbeaten with 70 off 78 balls. Manjrekar praised him highly and compared him with legendary Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad. Manjrekar praised Sarfaraz's approach to batting, be it offensive or defensive, and compared him to a “2024 version of Javed Miandad”.

On Day 4, Sarfaraz Khan hit his first Test ton in just 110 balls.

“Sarfaraz reminds me of a 1980s Javed Miandad, but this is a 2024 version of a Javed Miandad,” Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo's YouTube channel.

“Really impressed with the way he played. We know he plays spin well but I liked the way he bowled fast,” Manjrekar continued.

Miandad has more than 16,000 international runs for Pakistan in Tests and ODIs, with a particularly impressive Test average of 52.57, meaning Manjrekar has high praise for Sarfaraz.

Sarfaraz endured a difficult start to the Test as he was looking for a duck as India collapsed for 46 all out. However, after replacing the injured Shubman Gill in the side, Sarfaraz impressed in the second innings as India tried to get back on their feet.

Manjrekar praised Sarfaraz's awareness of the game, especially towards the end of the day.

“Towards the end of the day he wanted to play defensively and wanted bad light when there was actually bright light. I liked the way he ducked the bouncers and just tried to play throughout the day so he has that game too.” and that bodes well for India and for Sarfaraz Khan for Australia because he showed that batting element as well has,” Manjrekar continued.

Sarfaraz forged a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli in the second innings before the latter was run out on the last ball of the third day.