After their valiant performances in the first Test match between India and New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar praised centurions Rachin Ravindra and Sarafaraz Khan.

Rachin, a Bengaluru-born batsman for New Zealand, hit his second century in the first innings to lead the visitors to 402 after putting India to 46, their lowest Test total ever at home. He scored 134 runs in a knock that included four sixes and thirteen fours. Additionally, he became the first hitter from New Zealand to achieve a century in an Indian Test since 2012.

However, Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant led the assault on Saturday, and Sarfaraz scored his maiden century in a Test match. Before rain forced an early lunch break and ended play in the first session, the pair put up an unbroken 113-run stand for the fourth wicket. India, with Sarfaraz (125*) and Pant (53*) at the wicket, were 344/3 after 71 overs.

“Playing cricket helps us feel a connection to our heritage. Rachin Ravindra seems to have a unique bond with Bengaluru, the city of his family’s origin! Another century to his credit. On X, Tendulkar wrote.

And what a perfect time, Sarfaraz Khan, to record your maiden century in a Test match just when India needed it most! Fantastic days ahead for these two gifted young people,” he said.

Sarfaraz resumed from 70, and he was just as bold in his approach, slicing and cutting cheekily with his rear foot all across the square boundary on the off-side. Pant provided him with good assistance as the wicketkeeper-batter, after a little while of restraint, let loose with his aggressive side.

Right-hander Sarfaraz achieved his hundred with a commanding blow, a backfoot punch off Southee clearing the in-field for four after Pant misplayed a lift off Henry over mid-on for four. Sarfaraz ran with the bat high and his wrists up. The crowd stood to cheer his amazing knock under duress as he removed the helmet, yelled, and swung the bat with joy before receiving a bear embrace from Pant.

As Sarfaraz persisted in paddling and dabbing his way to get further boundaries, Pant started to show off by hitting Southee for six and four. After hitting Ajaz Patel for two massive sixes with excellent footwork, he was able to overturn an LBW call because replays revealed a significant inside edge.

The very next ball, when Pant got bat on the skiddy delivery, saw New Zealand burn a review. Pant then reached his fifty in fifty balls with two more boundaries off of Glenn Phillips and Prayag Patel, allaying any doubts about his health after limping off the field on day two after being struck on the right knee while on wicketkeeping duty.