Sarfaraz Khan was surprisingly left out of the India A squad for the upcoming two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa A. The middle-order batsman was reportedly asked to bat above his usual No. 5 position for Mumbai to showcase his abilities and strengthen his claim for future selection.
Sarfaraz was expected to play for India A in the red-ball series after being dropped from the West Indies series. However, he was ignored by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. He will continue to represent Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Sarfaraz last played for India in the Test series against New Zealand in 2024.
Sarfaraz Khan prepares for Mumbai’s second Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh
Sarfaraz Khan is currently preparing for Mumbai’s second Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. Young opening batsman Ayush Mhatre has left for Bengaluru to prepare for India A’s series against South Africa A.
Sarfaraz had initially made it to the national team with strong domestic performances, but his performance in the Indian team last year was not good. He scored a brilliant century against New Zealand in Bengaluru but then registered a string of low scores on turning tracks.
After a bench stint during the Australian tour and missing the England series due to a quadriceps injury, he has fallen further down the pecking order.
Sarfaraz will have to move up from number 5 in Mumbai’s batting order and showcase his abilities. However, it depends on how his role matches up with the team’s current combinations.
I think our batting order is fixed- Shardul Thakur
In Mumbai’s season-opening match against Jammu and Kashmir, Sarfaraz Khan batted behind senior players Ajinkya Rahane and Siddhesh Lad. Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur said that the team’s batting order is likely to remain unchanged.
Thakur also said that Sarfaraz’s participation in India A matches is not necessary for his return to the Test team. He said that if Sarfaraz continues to score runs then he can make a straight return to the national Test team.
Thakur said, “I think our batting order is fixed. We do not need to make any changes.”
“I think nowadays in the India A team they look at boys whom they want to groom for international cricket. I think Sarfaraz doesn’t need India A matches to play international cricket.”
The Mumbai captain said, “If he starts scoring runs again, I mean he is making a comeback from injury, that’s why I am making this statement. If he starts scoring runs, he can go straight and play the Test series as well.”
No matter what number Sarfaraz Khan bats at… – Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur said that Sarfaraz Khan is a reliable senior player who has the ability to perform well at crucial moments. He described Sarfaraz as a special talent who consistently contributes to big scores regardless of his batting position.
Shardul said, “I think he is a senior player who always performs well in difficult conditions. He is one of those special players who never disappoints in performing and making big scores. He has done that for years. No matter what number he bats at, I think he will do well.”
The Indian team management and selectors are not confident about Sarfaraz’s immediate prospects. Due to limited coordination between the national and Mumbai selectors, Sarfaraz’s focus remains on scoring big scores.
Also Read: “Harshit Rana is still playing” – Fans react to Arshdeep Singh being dropped from India’s playing XI for Sydney ODI
