Sarfaraz played a match-saving knock of 118 in the second Test against New Zealand in Karachi.
Sarfaraz, who had previously led Pakistan across formats, was sacked as captain in 2009 due to a poor run of form. However, cricket experts feel he is better suited to lead the team in Test cricket as compared to Babar, under whom Pakistan suffered a Test series defeat at the hands of Australia and England at home last year.
In fact, Pakistan were on the verge of a Test series defeat against New Zealand in Karachi on Friday (January 6) as well but Sarfaraz’s knock of 118 in the fourth innings saved the hosts’ blushes.
"Changes happened in the selection committee and I got my opportunity. Shahid bhai (Afridi) called me and said I would be playing. While we were having our practice, Captain Babar also told me I would be playing and told me to be prepared," Sarfaraz told reporters in the post-match presser.
"Thank Allah, I got an opportunity to play. Good things have started to happen. Shahid bhai has played cricket with me, he has seen me play. I think your ability to play at the highest level depends on two things, form and fitness. If you have form and fitness, then definitely, you can play until you are 40 or even 42.
"You asked me about captaincy, see, at this time, Babar Azam is the captain, till the time he is captain, it's our responsibility to support him fully," he added.
Talking about the Karachi Test, New Zealand were one wicket away from victory while Pakistan needed 15 runs when play was halted due to bad light, resulting in a 0-0 series tie.
The two teams will now lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting January 9.