Sarfaraz Khan is likely to be unavailable with the India Cricket Team for the IND vs BAN 2nd Test in Kanpur. The reason? BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar wants the young batter to participate in Irani Cup. Should there be no injury concerns to the batters in the team, Sarfaraz is likely to be released from the squad to take part in the domestic tournament.
Sarfaraz recently played his part in the Duleep Trophy before joining the India camp for the first Test match in Chennai. The young batter who got his Test debut earlier this year against England, wasn’t a part of the Playing XI. This was owing to the return of KL Rahul. And now with the batting lineup set, the young batter is slated to be released to take part in Irani Trophy, where he can continue to get more game time and strengthen his case for India selection.
Sarafarz Khan to be released for Irani Cup?
“India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar is keen that, baring any last-minute injuries in the nets or fitness issues to any of the main batsmen in Team India, Sarfaraz should be released from the main squad to allow him to play in the Irani Cup. In any case, it takes just about an hour to reach Lucknow from Kanpur, so Sarfaraz can leave for Lucknow even much after the Kanpur Test has begun,” a source told the Times of India.
According to reports, the BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar is keen on sending the batter to play domestic cricket. Since the Indian batting order is fit and fine, there is no need in keeping Sarfaraz Khan warming the bench. As a means to help him grow as a batter, the player will be allowed to take part in Irani Cup.
Furthermore, the Mumbai vs Rest of India game starts on 1st October. While the IND vs BAN 2nd Test in Kanpur starts on 27th September. This means that the player will have time to travel to Kanpur. And since Lucknow and Kanpur is nearby, the player can easily depart after the Test match begins.
