Currently, on a hot streak with the bat, Mumbai’s Sarfaraz Khan will be one step closer to realizing his dream of playing for India, as it has been reported that he might be included in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
The 24-year-old has scored more than 930 runs in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2022 and scored his 8th century in FC cricket as he slammed 134 in the ongoing final against Madhya Pradesh, helping Mumbai post 374 runs in their first innings.
It was his fourth hundred of this Ranji season, during which he has accumulated 937 runs in six games at 133.85, with four hundreds and two fifties. Only two batsmen have scored 900-plus runs twice in a Ranji season and both were former India batsmen who were domestic stalwarts - Ajay Sharma and Wasim Jaffer.
Now Times of India has reported that Sarfaraz is set to be picked for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh in November.
"It's impossible to overlook him now. His performances are speaking about his huge ability, and putting pressure on many in the Indian team. He will be a certainty when the selectors pick the Indian team for the Bangladesh Test series. He did well for India A last year in South Arica and he's an excellent fielder," a reliable source in the BCCI told TOI.
Post the day's play, national selector and former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi had a long chat with Sarfaraz, with another selector, ex-India pacer Harvinder Singh joining in.
"This is the first time I spoke to the selectors. I felt good after speaking to Joshi and Harvinder sir. They were saying that despite Chandu sir (MP coach Chandrakant Pandit) having blocked my sweep shot, I showed patience and didn't play that shot, was taking singles, and didn't come under pressure. They praised my knock," Sarfaraz said.
"As far as Team India's selection is concerned, I'm working hard. My focus is to only score runs. Every person has dreams. It will happen if it is written in my destiny," he added.
India is slated to play 2 Tests and 3 ODIs in Bangladesh in November 2022 with the schedule yet to be decided.
(Times of India inputs)
