At a crucial moment for Indian cricket, it remains uncertain whether 26-year-old Sarfaraz Khan will play in the second Test against Bangladesh at the Green Park in Kanpur on September 27.
As Ajinkya Rahane prepares to lead Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in the Irani Cup against Rest of India in Lucknow, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) may call on Sarfaraz to be available for the Irani Cup if he fails to make the Test XI. With Sarfaraz being the only specialist middle-order batsman in the Test squad, the situation raises questions about his role in the ongoing series.
Sarfaraz Khan’s uncertain future with Team India
26-year-old Sarfaraz Khan is facing a tough situation as the Indian cricket team prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh, which begins on September 27 at the Green Park in Kanpur. He has been included in the squad, but there are concerns over his place in the XI. With Ajinkya Rahane leading Mumbai in the Irani Cup, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is considering seeking permission for Sarfaraz to play in the Irani Cup if he is unable to play in Kanpur. BCCI sources stressed the importance of having a specialist middle-order batsman like Sarfaraz, especially considering the possibility of a concussion replacement being needed during the match.
The Irani Trophy begins on October 1 in Lucknow, close to the Test venue, allowing for a quick turnaround even if the match ends early. MCA’s strategic plan highlights that Sarfaraz is crucial to the Mumbai team as he is the only dedicated middle-order batsman in the Indian squad. With the current roster featuring players who play a variety of roles, his inclusion could be crucial to the team’s balance.
Pakistan cricket crisis: Explosive ‘linkage camp’ reveals shocking conflict between players and management
Sarfaraz’s recent achievements and testing career
Sarfaraz Khan was named in the India squad for the Test series but opted not to join the team in Chennai, opting instead to play in the Duleep Trophy. He showed his skills while playing for India B, scoring scores of 9, 46 and 16 in three innings during the tournament. In particular, his aggressive 46 against India A was the highlight of an otherwise modest performance and showed his potential in high-stakes matches. However, his limited opportunities to bat in the tournament raised questions about his form and readiness for the Test match against Bangladesh.
Sarfaraz made a brilliant debut in Test cricket earlier this year, making his debut against England in the absence of senior players due to injury. His performance in the debut match, scoring twin fifties, showed his promise, and he has amassed 200 runs in five innings in three Tests. While he navigates uncertainty over his role in the national team, Sarfaraz’s recent experience in domestic cricket could play a significant role in determining his future contribution on the international stage.
Follow and get all the latest news on cricket matches. Cricadium ~ in WhatsApp, Facebook, twitter, telegram, and Instagram.
