The cricketing world has been buzzing with debate over Sarfaraz Khan’s exclusion from the India-A squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa-A.
However, Mumbai’s captain, Shardul Thakur, has come forward to state unequivocally that a player of Sarfaraz’s experience and skill shouldn’t require the India-A platform to demonstrate his capabilities.
“Currently, the India-A team is often used to groom younger players for international duties. Sarfaraz, however, is beyond that stage; he doesn’t need a stint with India-A to play international cricket. If he maintains his scoring form, he could directly step into the Test squad,” Shardul explained.
“He’s just returned from an injury, but prior to that, he notched up two centuries in the Buchi Babu Trophy. In the recent match against Jammu & Kashmir, he scored a good 40-odd runs before an unfortunate run-out. I truly don’t believe playing for India-A is a critical step for him at this point,” Shardul added.
Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur.
Sarfaraz’s last appearance for India-A saw him score an impressive 92 against England Lions in Canterbury. Despite this strong performance during a series meant to prepare players for the five-Test match against England, the 28-year-old was not included in India’s Test side.
With the senior Indian team currently searching for a consistent No. 3 batsman, there have been suggestions for Sarfaraz to bat higher up the order for Mumbai. Nevertheless, Shardul confirmed that Mumbai’s established batting line-up would remain unchanged.
He expressed confidence that Sarfaraz would regain his peak form as the Ranji Trophy season progresses. “He’s a seasoned professional who consistently delivers in high-pressure situations. He has a track record of scoring massive hundreds and double hundreds in innings where the team was struggling at two or three wickets down early. To perform under such pressure requires something truly special, and he possesses that. Sarfaraz is a unique talent who consistently produces big scores year after year. Regardless of his batting position, I am certain he will continue to perform,” Shardul concluded.