India batter Sarfaraz Khan may have been left out of the India A squad for the upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A, but he’s found strong support from his Mumbai Ranji Trophy captain Shardul Thakur.
Sarfaraz, who featured in six Test matches in 2024 and scored a memorable century against New Zealand in Bengaluru, was ignored by the selectors on October 21 — a decision that surprised many, given his first-class batting average of over 65.
Shardul Comes to Sarfaraz’s Defense
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Friday, October 24, ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy fixture against Chhattisgarh, Shardul made it clear that Sarfaraz doesn’t need an India A game to prove his worth.
“Nowadays, for the India A side, they look at boys who they want to prepare for international cricket. Sarfaraz doesn’t need an India A game to play international cricket. If he gets back to scoring again, he can straight away go and play the Test series also,” Thakur said.
Injury Comeback and Domestic Form
Sarfaraz recently returned from an injury layoff. Before getting injured, he scored multiple centuries in the Buchi Babu Trophy. In his comeback match against Jammu & Kashmir, he made a promising 40 off 42 balls before an unfortunate run-out cut short his innings.
“It was very unfortunate to have been run out. But for him, I don’t think playing for India A is important,” Thakur added.
“He Delivers in Crunch Situations”
Thakur highlighted Sarfaraz’s proven record of performing in pressure situations, particularly in domestic cricket.
“He is a senior pro, and whenever we put him in there in the 22 yards, he is someone who always delivers in crunch situations,” Shardul said.
“He has big scores of 200-250, and those innings have come when the team was two or three down early. To play that kind of innings under pressure, you have to have something special in you.”
The Mumbai skipper further described Sarfaraz as “one of the special players” who has consistently produced big scores over the years, irrespective of his batting position.
A Strong Comeback Expected
While the selectors’ decision has raised eyebrows, Shardul Thakur’s backing reflects the faith Mumbai has in Sarfaraz’s abilities. With the Ranji Trophy season underway, all eyes will be on the 28-year-old to pile up runs and push his way back into the Indian Test squad.
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