Sarfaraz Khan's Father Gifted Mahindra Thar by Anand Mahindra After Son's Test Debut
Rajkot: Sarfaraz Khan's Test debut for India in the third Test against England at Rajkot was not only a dream come true for the cricketer but also a moment of pride for his father, Naushad, who has been his biggest inspiration. To mark this significant milestone in Sarfaraz's career, industrialist Anand Mahindra decided to gift Sarfaraz's father a Mahindra Thar.
The heartwarming gesture came after a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), showcasing Sarfaraz's journey to his Test debut, touched Anand Mahindra. Witnessing the sacrifices made by Naushad to support Sarfaraz's cricketing aspirations, Anand Mahindra felt compelled to acknowledge this dedication with a thoughtful gift.
Sarfaraz made his Test debut in a memorable fashion, scoring the fastest fifty on debut for India. His innings was cut short by a run-out following a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja, but his attacking approach and stylish stroke play left a lasting impression.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised Sarfaraz for his exceptional batting display, particularly against spin bowling. He highlighted Sarfaraz's judgement of length and his ability to manoeuvre good deliveries, qualities that set him apart as a promising talent.
Sarfaraz has been a prolific performer in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy, where he has consistently delivered impressive performances. His surge to the international level has been eagerly awaited by fans, who have closely followed his progress in first-class cricket.
In his 45 first-class matches, Sarfaraz has amassed 3,912 runs at an average of 69.85, including 14 centuries and 11 fifties. His highest score of 301* underscores his ability to convert stars into big scores, making him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team.
His recent success in the unofficial Test series against England Lions, where he scored 96 in a tour match followed by 4, 55, and 161 in two unofficial Tests, further solidifies his credentials as a batsman to watch out for in the future.
The gift of the Mahindra Thar by Anand Mahindra is a testament to Sarfaraz's hard work and dedication, as well as a recognition of his potential to excel at the highest level of cricket.
“Himmat nahin chodna, bas!”
Hard work. Courage. Patience.
What better qualities than those for a father to inspire in a child?
For being an inspirational parent, it would be my privilege & honour if Naushad Khan would accept the gift of a Thar.
“Himmat nahin chodna, bas!”
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) February 16, 2024
Hard work. Courage. Patience.
What better qualities than those for a father to inspire in a child?
For being an inspirational parent, it would be my privilege & honour if Naushad Khan would accept the gift of a Thar. pic.twitter.com/fnWkoJD6Dp
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T'gana RTC strike: Talks between govt, employees successful
Hyderabad (PTI): Talks between employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) who were on strike and the state government concluded successfully on Friday as the government agreed to the key demands of the workmen.
Following a day-long marathon of talks between the leaders of the employees' Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the cabinet sub-committee, the government announced after midnight that it acceded to the demands, including a merger of RTC with the government, 11 per cent pay revision and elections to the employees' unions.
A committee comprising officials and employee leaders would be appointed over the merger of RTC with the government, it said.
The RTC management has also agreed to address the remaining issues as well, an official release said.
The employees would call off their strike and the RTC buses would hit the roads shortly, it said.
The employees had been on an indefinite strike since April 22 over a series of demands, including the merger of RTC with the government.
Earlier in the day, a driver of the RTC, who attempted suicide on April 23 during the strike, died at a hospital here in the early hours of Friday.
Shankar Goud, a 55-year-old driver, set himself ablaze by pouring petrol at Narsampet in Warangal district when the employees were staging a protest on Thursday in support of their demands.
Goud suffered serious burns, was initially admitted to a state-run hospital in Warangal, and later shifted to a super-speciality hospital in Hyderabad for advanced treatment.
"He succumbed (to injuries) at about 1.30 am on Friday," a senior official said.
The driver’s body was taken to his relative’s village, Muttojipet in Warangal district, for funeral rites.
Tension prevailed in Muttojipet as his family members and RTC employees attempted to take the body to the Narsampet bus station, where he worked, to enable his colleagues to pay their last respects. However, police did not permit this, citing law-and-order concerns.
This led to a deadlock before the funeral could proceed.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised the Telangana government for not allowing the body to be taken to the Narsampet bus station.
Kumar, Minister of State (Home), visited Muttojipet village in Warangal district, where the funeral was held, and paid homage to Goud.
“They (family members) want to take the body to the bus depot for five minutes. Is the RTC bus depot in Pakistan or Bangladesh? They are emotionally attached to taking the body there. The government is hurting sentiments and creating fear among RTC employees,” Kumar told reporters.
He also expressed anger at the police for not allowing the body to be taken to the bus station and staged a protest, according to a release from his office.
RTC employees and BJP workers attempted to take the mortal remains in an ambulance to Narsampet, but were stopped by the police.
Later, after discussions with the police, the family members and RTC employees agreed to conduct the funeral in the village.
Sanjay Kumar, stating he would abide by the family’s decision, left the village after the funeral was conducted there.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh, a house, and a government job would be provided to the kin of Goud.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the employee’s death and conveyed deep condolences to the grieving family, according to the release.
The RTC employees’ JAC had earlier announced an agitation programme from April 24 to 29, including silent marches and submission of memorandums to MLAs and other leaders.
