India, Oct. 22 -- This time last year, Sarfaraz Khan was the toast of a nation, even in defeat. With India trailing New Zealand by 356 runs after being shot out for their lowest home total of 46 in Bengaluru, the stocky right-hander masterminded a splendid revival in the first Test with a sparkling 150, batting at No. 4. Sarfaraz counter-attacked ferociously in the company of Rishabh Pant, the two mavericks putting on 177 breathless runs at just under a run a ball.

Despite their courageous fightback, India lost but the legend of Sarfaraz grew exponentially. In his first three Tests, in February-March against England, Sarfaraz had smacked three half-centuries in five innings; his spectacular 150 suggested he was here to stay, at least for...