‘Sarfaraz Khan was told he’d be selected for home Test series’- Report reveals why Mumbai batter was left out

Sarfaraz Khan was left out of India A squad for upcoming South Africa A four-day games.

Despite his impressive domestic cricket record, Sarfaraz Khan has rarely been a fixture in India's cricket team. The batter last played for India in November 2024, at home against New Zealand, and has since been waiting for his next opportunity.  

Currently, the scenario is such that Sarfaraz's name was missing from the India A team for two four-day matches against South Africa A on Tuesday, despite his outperforming most others during the India A tour of England earlier this year.

Sarfaraz has 4759 first-class runs at an average of 65.19 from 56 matches. He has played six Tests and scored 371 runs. He has one hundred and three half-centuries. He was not selected for the recent Test series at home against the West Indies.

Now, a report in The Indian Express has revealed some interesting details regarding Sarfaraz's omission.

It's learnt that he was only included in that team (India A's Tour Of England) because it was felt that his absence might raise uncomfortable questions, as he was a contracted player. It's also learnt that a message was passed to the batsman that he will be considered for the home Test series.

But Sarfaraz wasn't selected for the two-Test series against West Indies at home, because he wasn't fully match-fit and the Centre of Excellence (COE) had not cleared his fitness. The senior selection committee picked that team on September 25 while Sarfaraz cleared his fitness test on September 27," the report said.

There is a school of thought among selectors that Sarfaraz should only be tested in a slot where the Indian team management is still unsure, according to a report by PTI. That spot is currently No. 3, where B Sai Sudharsan is attempting to establish himself.

In addition, Sudharsan, Pant's deputy, will play for India A in both matches and is slated to bat at number three.

"Sarfaraz should have a chat with the Mumbai team management and also with their senior-most player, Ajinkya Rahane, and, maybe, try out batting at No. 3 where he might have to play the new ball. If he keeps batting at No. 5 or 6, it won't help. India has more all-around options for those slots.

Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Reddy... if all are fit and available, they will occupy the middle order, being multi-skilled players. When Pant is injured, it will be Dhruv Jurel batting at No. 5 or 6," a former national selector privy to the developments told PTI.