Sachin Tendulkar can’t keep calm amid ‘exciting’ response to centurion Sarfaraz Khan; Rachin particularly praises

There were two centurions in the rain-interrupted opening Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand. Rachin Ravindra scored his second career goal on the third day to become the first New Zealand batsman to reach the milestone in India since 2012 as the visitors took a 356-run lead in the first innings after scoring a total of 402 runs. Day 4, however, belonged to Sarfaraz Khan, who scored his maiden international century at lunch on Saturday and reduced the deficit to just 12 runs.

The two centuries by two young cricketers left a big impression on former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar. While he felt Rachin’s century was a way to connect with his roots given the fact that his parents hail from Silicon Valley in India, the batting legend for Sarfaraz was in awe of how he performed under pressure struggled to help India almost recover from a historic low of 46 in the first innings, leaving them on the verge of an Eden-like victory.

He tweeted: “Cricket connects us to our roots. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a special connection with Bengaluru, where his family comes from! Another century to his name. And Sarfaraz Khan, what an opportunity to score your first Test century when India needed it most! Exciting times lie ahead for the two talented young talents.”

Sarfaraz Khan’s ton takes India to 344-3 at lunch

Under the gloomy Bengaluru skies, the New Zealand bowlers looked completely clueless against a seething Sarfaraz, whose unbeaten 125 helped India reach 344-3 at lunchtime on the fourth day of their rain-hit series opener, 12 runs behind the tourists. At 231-3, India managed despite the overcast weather as Sarfaraz rose to the challenge and used his innovative style to take on the New Zealand fast bowlers and remained unbeaten on 125.

When the rain stopped 30 minutes before lunch, the duo scored an unbroken 113 for the fourth wicket.

India will be looking to avoid a first home defeat against New Zealand since 1988 after the Black Caps boosted their chances by upsetting the hosts for 402 in their first innings and taking a lead of 356 thanks to Rachin’s century.