WATCH: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant share laugh as they MOCK Sarfaraz Khan’s unorthodox slip fielding technique
New Delhi: Sarfaraz Khan, the middle-order batter for Team India, left his teammates in splits during a fielding drill in Perth, with both Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant sharing a laugh at his playful antics. The lighthearted moment between the trio quickly went viral, capturing the attention of fans on social media.
India is currently gearing up at WACA ahead of their first Test against Australia, set to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 22. Notably, the Indian squad will be missing skipper Rohit Sharma and top-order batter Shubman Gill for the series opener.
During a practice session at the slip cordon, a group of Indian players, including Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel, were focused on catching drills.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Sarfaraz Khan attempted to take a catch in a highly unorthodox manner. Virat Kohli couldn’t stop laughing, while Rishabh Pant was left “floored” by the hilarious moment.
The way Sarfaraz Khan took the catch, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant & Dhruv Jurel all were laughing.
– A lovely video during today’s practice session at Perth..!!! pic.twitter.com/GOseztJAqu
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) November 19, 2024
Reports suggest that Sarfaraz Khan may not be included in the playing XI for the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. In Shubman Gill’s absence, who is sidelined due to a thumb injury, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to bat at No. 3. Dhruv Jurel is expected to play as a specialist batter at No. 6 in the lineup.
Sarfaraz Khan had an impressive start to his Test career, scoring three half-centuries in his debut series against England earlier this year. He further showcased his talent by smashing his maiden Test century in Bengaluru during the series opener against New Zealand.
However, Sarfaraz Khan’s form dipped in the subsequent matches in Pune and Mumbai, where he was dismissed cheaply in all four innings. On the other hand, Devdutt Padikkal made a solid start to his Test career, scoring 65 runs in his debut Test against England in Dharamsala earlier this year. Padikkal also impressed in unofficial Test matches for India A against Australia A, further bolstering his credentials for a potential spot in the playing XI.