Sarfaraz Khan: Sunil Gavaskar was one of several to lament Sarfaraz Khan’s exclusion from the Indian team for the West Indies tour, but BCCI sources asserted that his subpar “fitness level” and suspected “off-field conduct” were factors in the decision. In the previous three Ranji seasons, the Mumbai batter amassed 2566 runs. In the 2019–20 season, he scored 928 runs. In the 2022–23 season, he scored 982 runs.
Beyond Cricketing Reasons – Fitness and Weight Concerns Emerge
It was shocking that the two-time former India U-19 World Champion, who has a lifetime average of 79.65 after 37 red ball matches, had to make room for someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose average is 42 or higher. “The angry reactions are understandable but I can tell you with some degree of certainty that the reason behind Sarfaraz getting ignored time and again is not just cricketing one. There are multiple reasons for which he hasn’t been considered,” a BCCI official privy to selection developments told PTI. ‘Are the selection committee members stupid to overlook a player who has scored more than 900 runs in back-to-back seasons? His fitness, which isn’t exactly up to par with international standards, is one of the causes. The source continued, ‘He has to work hard, possibly lose weight, and return slimmer and fitter as it’s not just batting fitness that is the sole basis for selection.’
The Unspoken Factors Behind Sarfaraz Khan’s Exclusion
The BCCI official claims that the player’s lack of selection is due to factors other than fitness. ‘His behaviour hasn’t exactly been stellar, either on or off the pitch. Some remarks spoken, some gestures made, and some situations have been noted. A little bit of self-discipline would be of great benefit to him. Hopefully, Sarfaraz will concentrate on those areas with the help of his father and coach Naushad Khan,’ the senior official said. Apparently, Chetan Sharma, the former head of the selection committee, didn’t appreciate Sarfaraz’s celebrations after reaching 100 against Delhi earlier this year during a Ranji match. Prior to it, Mumbai veteran and MP coach Chandrakant Pandit had grown frustrated with his behaviour during a break during the 2022 Ranji Trophy final. The insider said, ‘That’s a perception generated by media. If his IPL performance and perceived weakness against short ball have also contributed to his non-selection. Do you believe there might be a cricketing explanation?’
Must Read: UP Hospital Under Fire for Performing Circumcision Instead of Planned Tongue Surgery on 2-Year-Old
The Dilemma of Sarfaraz Khan’s Path to International Call-up
‘Mayank Agarwal amassed 1000 first-class runs in a single month before making his Test debut for India. Was his IPL eligibility verified by MSK Prasad’s committee? Hanuma Vihari, who advanced through the domestic and A team divisions, is similar. Why would SS Das’s committee rebuild the wheel now if their IPL and white ball record wasn’t examined back then? Simple. It’s not a cricketing excuse,’ he continued. Sarfaraz will currently have a hard time joining the team. ‘Just consider it. Why wasn’t Sarfaraz included in the World Test Championship reserves at all? After Ruturaj withdrew owing to his marriage, the two reserves were Suryakumar Yadav and Yashasvi Jasiwal.’ Ajinkya Rahane is currently ranked fifth in the pecking order, and Gaikwad is the backup middle-order hitter who can also be utilised as a floater. Gaikwad will therefore likely get a chance after Rahane fails. Suryakumar Yadav, who is playing Duleep Trophy for West Zone, cannot be completely ruled out either. And if Shreyas Iyer becomes fit, Sarfaraz’s path to an international call-up may become much more difficult.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
