In the ongoing fourth Test between India and England, Shoaib Bashir stole the limelight with an impressive bowling performance. He claimed four crucial wickets to dismantle the Indian batting order. As England gained control on Day 2, Bashir’s short stint at the crease also became a social media sensation due to a hilarious banter with Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan.
After coming in to bat at number 10, Bashir faced some light-hearted teasing from Sarfaraz Khan about his knowledge of Hindi. Sarfaraz humorously remarked, “Arey yaar, ise toh pata hai kaise khelna hai. Ise Hindi bhi aati hai badhiya (Guys, he knows how to play and knows Hindi).”
Here is the video:
Sarfaraz Khan – isko to Hindi nahi aati hain (he doesn't know Hindi).
Shoaib Bashir – Thodi thodi aati hain Hindi (I know a bit of Hindi).@BCCI #INDvsENGTest #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/TRI0esZHYQ
— Cric Crazy (@CHANCHA55457263) February 24, 2024
To which Bashir responded in a comical tone, “Aati hai thodi thodi (I know Hindi a little bit).” Unfortunately, Bashir’s time at the crease was short-lived, lasting only two deliveries before being caught off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling.
Can India bounce back?
Despite the banter, Bashir showcased his bowling prowess with figures of 4-84, playing a significant role in England bowling out India for 219. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley contributed with 2-47. The day concluded with India trailing by 134 runs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scoring with 73 runs. Dhruv Jurel (30*) and Kuldeep Yadav (17*) displayed resilience, forming an unbeaten 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Earlier in the match, Joe Root’s unbeaten century (122) marked a crucial return to form, providing England with a substantial total of 353. Despite Ravindra Jadeja‘s four-wicket haul, Akash Deep, making his debut, contributed three dismissals.
Shoaib Bashir’s Test has become a memorable one, not just for his impactful bowling but also for the lighthearted banter, exemplifying the camaraderie and sportsmanship that add charm to the intense competition on the cricket field. The stage is set for an intriguing continuation of the match as India looks to overcome the deficit and England aims to consolidate their advantage.
