It’s a golden chance for Sarfaraz Khan with Virat Kohli pulling out of the first two Tests of IND vs ENG Test series. Even though KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer will both come into the India Playing XI with KS Bharat as the wicketkeeper, Sarfaraz is likely to get a call up for at least the first two India vs England Test.
“Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma the team management and the selectors. He has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” BCCI said in a statement. It also added that the selectors will name a replacement soon.
Despite scoring tons of runs in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has been overlooked so far. Selectors blamed his fitness some time or his poor attitude at times.
However, with Ajinkya Rahane in poor form and selectors unlikely to look back at Cheteshwar Pujara, Sarfaraz Khan could be the one to get the nod.
Sarfaraz scored 68 against South Africa A, 96 and 55 against England A in recent matches. In Ranji Trophy, he hammered 982 runs in 2022. He followed that up with 556 runs in just nine innings the next season. In fact, in 44 First Class matches, Sarfaraz Khan has averaged 68.20.
