The exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan from Team India’s Test side is baffling. He is one of the most prolific run-scorers in domestic circuit, and hasn’t been bad in the limited opportunities he has had at the Test level. In all likelihood, he might not be part of the IND A squad for SA A series.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Absence Baffling
But then Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai Ranji skipper doesn’t want to make much of this. He went on to say that the exclusion might be, since he is coming back after an injury layoff. “I think nowadays in India A side, they (selectors) look at boys, they want to prepare for international cricket,” Shardul told reporters on Friday.
“I think Sarfaraz doesn’t need India A games to play international cricket. If he gets back to scoring again, I mean because he is coming from (an) injury lay-off, I am making this statement.” But then he admitted that Sarfaraz Khan needed to score in Ranji Trophy now.
Shardul Thakur says..
“He scored two-three centuries in Buchi Babu (tournament) also, before getting injured. Coming back to (the Ranji Trophy), against Jammu and Kashmir also, he had a nice 40. He unfortunately got run out. For him, though, I don’t think playing India A is important. If he scores runs (in Ranji Trophy), he can straightaway go and play (the) Test series (against South Africa).”
For now, there seems to be a vacancy at the No. 3 slot in the Indian team, with Sai Sudharsan yet to really come good. And for that perhaps Sarfaraz might have to be given chance at that position. But for now Shardul has ruled out that possibility. “Regarding our batting line-up, I think it is set.”
“If you are not performing at your best, there are quite a few good players who are sitting on the bench, who will be trying to grab your spot. So, I don’t think apart from the captain, anyone is safe out there.” Meanwhile Mumbai take on Chhattisgarh in Mumbai on October 25, in their next Ranji clash.
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