'Passed on my bad luck to Sarfaraz Khan': Anil Kumble on debutant getting run out at Rajkot

Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble, who handed the debut cap to Sarfaraz Khan, has joked that he passed on bad luck to the young batter during the ceremony which led to his run out in his maiden innings. Sarfaraz demonstrated his quality by scoring a quickfire 62 off 66 deliveries on his debut before losing his wicket, caused by a costly mix-up with Jadeja.

Speaking about the run-out on JioCinema, Kumble said: “Yes, Sarfaraz was dominating the partnership but Jadeja, I thought, got into a shell and that sometimes creates a mindset where you are not clear about the decision-making. Maybe, that was one of the reasons and possibility I passed on my bad luck of my debut run-out to Sarfaraz.”

Like Sarfaraz, Kumble, one of the greatest spinners of all time, also played his first Test against England back in 1990. Moreover, Kumble was also run out for two in his debut innings.

When Sarfaraz arrived at the crease, Jadeja had already breached the 90-run mark. The all-rounder can be credited for reviving India’s innings. He came in to bat when the hosts were reeling at 3/33. His partnership with Sarfaraz was certainly a treat to watch. While Jadeja held the wicket at the other end, the debutant kept the scoreboard ticking with occasional boundaries.

Everything was going in the right direction until Jadeja reached his 99. After Jadeja played a drive, Sarfaraz attempted a quick single. As the ball was well within the reach of Mark Wood, Jadeja denied the run immediately. Sarfaraz had already left his crease, with Wood producing a direct throw that rattled the stumps at the non-striker’s end.

Jadeja completed his century on the very next ball but did not celebrate the feat properly. He was, understandably, disappointed with the manner in which Sarfaraz had to return to the dressing room. Jadeja scored 112 runs off 225 balls before losing his wicket in the second over of the second day. His gritty knock comprised nine boundaries and two sixes.