Sarfaraz Khan has a great domestic record, but he hasn’t been a consistent member of the Indian cricket squad. The batter has been waiting for his next chance to play for India since November 2024, when he last played at home against New Zealand. Even though Sarfaraz was among the top performers on the India A tour of England earlier this year, his name was left out of the India A squad when it was revealed on Tuesday for two four-day matches against South Africa A.
A report in The Indian Express has now revealed some interesting details regarding Sarfaraz’s omission.
“It’s learnt that he was only included in that team (India A’s Tour Of England) because it was felt that his absence might raise uncomfortable questions as he was a contracted player. It’s also learnt that a message was passed to the batsman that he will be considered for home Test series. But Sarfaraz wasn’t selected for the two-Test series against West Indies at home, because he wasn’t fully match-fit and the Centre of Excellence (COE) had not cleared his fitness. The senior selection committee picked that team on September 25 while Sarfaraz cleared his fitness test on September 27,” the report said.
“Unlike many Indian players, the Mumbai batsman didn’t get the leverage of ‘subject to fitness’ category in his selection.“
In 56 first-class matches, Sarfaraz Khan has scored 4759 runs at an average of 65.19. In six Test matches, he has added 371 runs to his name. The 26-year-old was left out of the squad for India’s most recent home Test series against the West Indies.
According to PTI, there is a school of thought among selectors that Sarfaraz should only be tried in that slot where the Indian team management is still not quite sure, and, right now, it is No. 3 where B Sai Sudharsan is trying to make a mark.
Sudharsan is also a part of the India A team in both the games and is the deputy to Pant and will bat at No.3 in these games.
“Sarfaraz should have a chat with the Mumbai team management and also with their senior-most player Ajinkya Rahane and, maybe, try out batting at No. 3 where he might have to play the new ball. If he keeps batting at No. 5 or 6, it won’t help. India have more all-round options for those slots.
“Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy… if all are fit and available (they) will occupy the middle-order, being multi-skilled players. When Pant is injured it will be Dhruv Jurel batting at No. 5 or 6,” a former national selector privy to the developments told PTI.
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