Sarfaraz Khan, the talented Mumbai batter, has once again been left out of the Indian Test squad for the West Indies tour, sparking controversy and raising questions among fans and experts. Despite his exceptional performance in domestic cricket, scoring 2566 runs in the last three Ranji Trophy seasons, Sarfaraz’s name continues to be overlooked.
Let’s have a look into the insights provided by a BCCI official who sheds light on the real reasons behind Sarfaraz Khan’s repeated snubs: Sarfaraz Khan’s Test Snub Revealed
Fitness Concerns
The BCCI official stated that one of the primary factors influencing Sarfaraz’s non-selection is his fitness. Although he has amassed impressive runs, his fitness level does not meet international standards. The official emphasized the need for Sarfaraz to work on improving his fitness, shed weight, and return leaner and fitter. The BCCI and selectors believe that batting fitness alone is not the sole criterion for selection at the international level.
Off-Field Discipline
Another crucial aspect affecting Sarfaraz’s chances is his on and off-field discipline. The official revealed that certain incidents, gestures, and remarks made by Sarfaraz have been taken note of and have not been viewed favorably by the BCCI and selectors. It is believed that a more disciplined approach would greatly benefit Sarfaraz’s career. The official expressed hope that Sarfaraz, along with his father and coach Naushad Khan, will address these concerns.
Celebration Controversy
Sarfaraz’s exuberant celebration after scoring a century against Delhi during a Ranji Trophy game earlier this year has reportedly raised eyebrows among the selectors. The celebration did not sit well with the erstwhile selection committee chairman Chetan Sharma, who was present at the match. Such incidents contribute to the overall assessment of a player’s conduct and can impact their selection prospects.
Competition and Pecking Order
The current pecking order makes it challenging for Sarfaraz Khan to make a comeback into the Indian Test team. With Ajinkya Rahane occupying the No. 5 spot and Ruturaj Gaikwad as the reserve middle-order batter who can also be a floater, Sarfaraz’s path to international selection becomes even more difficult. Additionally, the presence of players like Suryakumar Yadav and the potential return of Shreyas Iyer further reduce Sarfaraz’s chances of securing an international call-up.
Non-Cricketing Reasons
The BCCI official made it clear that the reasons for Sarfaraz’s exclusion are not solely cricket-related. While his outstanding domestic performance speaks for itself, there are other factors at play. The official’s reference to the selection of players like Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari, whose IPL credentials were not extensively evaluated, suggests that Sarfaraz’s poor IPL season and perceived weakness against short balls might not be the primary factors affecting his selection.
The Real Reason Behind Sarfaraz Khan’s Test Snub Revealed: BCCI Official Speaks Out
Sarfaraz Khan’s continued omission from the Indian Test squad has stirred up a storm of debates and criticisms. While his remarkable performances in domestic cricket make a strong case for his inclusion, the BCCI official’s insights shed light on the non-cricketing reasons that have hindered his chances. Sarfaraz’s fitness and off-field discipline have been identified as areas requiring improvement. As fans eagerly await his comeback, it remains to be seen how Sarfaraz and his support system address these concerns and pave the way for a potential international call-up in the future.
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