Source TOI
NEW DELHI — Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has strongly questioned the prolonged omission of Sarfaraz Khan from the national Test side, asserting that performance was never the underlying issue behind the Mumbai batter’s absence. Kaif also advocated for Sarfaraz’s direct inclusion in the playing XI over Dhruv Jurel for the upcoming series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Sarfaraz earned an unexpected recall to India’s Test squad as an injury replacement for Sai Sudharsan. His return reignited discussions regarding his absence following his 150-run knock against New Zealand in late 2024.
Addressing the recall on his YouTube channel, Kaif stated that cricketing merits never justified leaving the 28-year-old out:
“There was a reason he was not allowed to play. Performance was not the reason. It wasn’t that his runs were drying up or that the bat was not working. He made runs against New Zealand, he was in form, and he had a solid start against England. Whoever brought his name back to the selection table is thinking about what is best for Indian cricket.”
The Selection Dilemma: Sarfaraz vs. Jurel
With India preparing for turning tracks in Galle, Kaif highlighted that Sarfaraz’s tactical proficiency against slow bowling makes him the superior middle-order candidate at No. 5 or No. 6.
Proficiency Against Spin: Kaif underlined Sarfaraz’s sweep, reverse sweep, back-foot scoring, and ability to counter-attack turning deliveries on deteriorating Day 4 and Day 5 pitches.
Recent Form Concerns: Kaif pointed out that Dhruv Jurel, despite being with the setup, has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores in recent outings.
Squad Dynamics: While acknowledging that team management often favors continuity by retaining players already embedded in the squad, Kaif noted that pitch conditions should dictate the best XI.
Sarfaraz averages 37.10 across six Tests with one century and three fifties.
The two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka begins on August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting August 23.
