Rachin Ravindra and Sarfaraz Khan's tons signal 'exciting times,' says Sachin Tendulkar | Cricket News

Sarfaraz Khan (PTI photo)

Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar praised centurions Rachin Ravindra and Sarfaraz Khan after their heroics in the first Test between India and India New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
New Zealand batsman Rachin, who has his roots in Bengaluru, scored his second Test century and guided the visitors to a total of 402 in their first innings after defeating India for 46 – their lowest Test score at home. He played a brilliant knock of 134 runs laced with 13 fours and four sixes. Rachin also became the first New Zealand batsman to score Test century in India since 2012.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan registered his first Test ton in India's second innings and led the attack along with Rishabh Pant on Saturday. The pair shared an unbroken 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket before rain interrupted play during the first session and forced an early lunch. India were 344/3 after 71 overs, with Sarfaraz (125*) and Pant (53*) at the crease.

“Cricket connects us to our roots. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a special connection with Bengaluru, where his family comes from! Another century under our belt.” Tendulkar wrote on X.
“And Sarfaraz Khan, what an opportunity to score your first Test century when India needed it most! There are exciting times ahead for these two talented young players,” he added.
Even after 70 minutes, Sarfaraz remained bold in his approach, peppering the offside boundary with cheeky cuts and slices with his back foot. He found excellent support from Pant who, after an initial period of patience, switched gears to unleash his aggressive self.
Pant delivered a poorly timed lofted throw from Henry on middle for four, while Sarfaraz reached his hundred in style – a back-foot strike from Southee that cleared the infield for four. Sarfaraz ran with his bat raised and his arms outstretched, took off his helmet, roared with joy and swung his bat in celebration. Pant greeted him with a bear hug as the stadium stood to applaud a magnificent strike under pressure.
As Sarfaraz continued to paddle and force his way to more boundaries, Pant prevailed, smashing Southee six and four times in a row. Showing excellent footwork, he hit Ajaz Patel for two powerful sixes and survived an LBW decision that was overturned on review, showing great inside advantage.
New Zealand then fired a criticism on the very next ball when Pant was hit on a slippery delivery. Pant continued to add runs, with two more boundaries off Patel and Glenn Phillips, and completed his fifty in 55 balls. His innings allayed concerns about his fitness as he had earlier limped off the field after being hit on the right knee while keeping wickets on the second day.