Sarfaraz Khan’s inclusion in the Indian Test team for the upcoming match against England in Visakhapatnam has generated considerable buzz. The young player, stepping in for the injured KL Rahul, might make his debut, though competition with Rajat Patidar for the No.4 spot adds suspense.
Patidar, initially called up to replace Virat Kohli, remained on the bench as Rahul took over Kohli’s position in the first Test. With Rahul now ruled out, the battle for the coveted slot intensifies between Sarfaraz and Patidar.
AB de Villiers, the former South Africa captain, expressed excitement about Sarfaraz’s selection, highlighting his exceptional first-class cricket record, boasting 3912 runs at an impressive average of 69.85 with 14 centuries and 11 fifties in 66 innings.
“It’s just very exciting for me. His record in first-class cricket is quite outstanding, and if there’s a guy that deserves it, it’s certainly him. He has played 66 innings, 3912 runs, and an average of 69.85. 14 hundreds and 11 fifties, guys, that is not normal,” said the former South Africa captain on his YouTube channel.
De Villiers, who played alongside both Sarfaraz and Patidar at Royal Challengers Bangalore, praised Patidar’s decade-long experience in Indian first-class cricket, accumulating 4000 runs at an average of 45.97. On the other hand, Sarfaraz, despite being the youngest IPL player in 2015, struggled to establish himself but found his form upon returning to Mumbai, amassing 928 runs in the 2019-20 season.
As De Villiers expressed hope for Sarfaraz to get a chance, he acknowledged Patidar’s strong performance, adding suspense to the selection dilemma for the crucial No.4 position in the upcoming Test match.
“That is a very, very good first-class record. I know it’s a big jump up to international cricket against England, on the biggest stage, I hope he gets a chance because Rajat Patidar has also been playing well,” said De Villiers.
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