Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan not finding a spot in India’s squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming home series against Australia has become the talk of the town lately.
Sarfaraz failed to make the cut despite being so prolific in domestic cricket over the last three seasons. The right-hander amassed more than 900 runs in the past two editions of the Ranji Trophy – 928 in 2019-20 and 982 in 2021-22.
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Sarfaraz has taken the cricketing world by storm once again. After registering scores of 5, 126*, 75, 20, 162, 15*, 28* in the first five games, he responded to his Test snub by slamming 125 off 155 balls against Delhi.
Amid his impressive exploits, veteran India off-spinner R Ashwin has also said that Sarfaraz is making a “strong statement” for his selection.
“Where do I begin about this batsman? Sarfaraz Khan. There is so much debate on whether he should get selected or not. But he is not caring about selection, guys. In the 2019-20 season, he scored 900 runs. In the 2020-21 season, another 900 runs,” Ashwin said on his official YouTube channel.
“This season, he has scored almost 600 runs. He has made a strong statement with his sheer performances. He is averaging in excess of 100 in the last three seasons at a high strike-rate as well. Sarfaraz Khan is not just smashing on the selection doors. He is burning them. But unfortunately, he is not getting selected currently,” he added.
“Despite not getting selected, he played a terrific knock for Mumbai against Delhi, the game in which Mumbai lost,” Ashwin further stated.
After being overlooked for the Australia Test series, Sarfaraz revealed in an interview that BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma had promised to pick him for the Bangladesh tour last year.
"During the Ranji Trophy final at Bangalore, when I scored a century, I met the selectors. I was told that 'you'll get your opportunity in Bangladesh. Be ready for that.' Recently, I met Chetan Sharma sir (chief selector) while we were checking in at the hotel in Mumbai. He asked me not to feel disheartened, and that my time will come. Good things take time to happen. You're very close (to an India berth). You'll get your chance. So, when I played another important knock, I had expectations. But it's alright," Sarfaraz told TOI in an interview.
