Sarfaraz Khan, a prolific run-scorer in India’s domestic cricket circuit, must rue his luck for being sidelined from national selection despite an avalanche of runs each season. With his impeccable performance, he has made a strong case at the India A level but still awaits the golden opportunity to don the national colors in the Test arena. Anticipation was rife that with Virat Kohli’s absence from the first two Test matches against England, the doors might finally open for Sarfaraz to enter the Indian Test squad. Nonetheless, the selection committee chose to overlook his credentials and instead drafted Rajat Patidar to fill the void left by Kohli.
In what can only be described as peak disappointment, Sarfaraz Khan, however, did not let this setback deter his resolve or diminish his hunger for runs. During a four-day match between India A and the England Lions, the 26-year-old came to the crease with the scoreboard reading 174/2 after the fall of Tilak Varma. Unfazed, Sarfaraz took the bull by the horns, registering a blazing 89-ball century that further solidified his claim for higher honors.
His statistics speak volumes; in just 44 first-class games, he has amassed 3751 runs at an extraordinary average of over 68. This tally includes 13 centuries and 11 half-centuries – a remarkable and enviable track record by any measure. As the game against the England Lions progresses, it remains a point of curiosity how many more runs will be added to his already impressive count.
The match itself paints a picture of dominance by India A, largely credited to an outstanding bowling performance that restricted the England Lions to a scant 152 runs in their first innings. Akash Deep emerged as the hero with the ball for the home side, claiming four wickets, while Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar chipped in with two and one scalp respectively. Responding with the bat, India A openers Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal laid a solid foundation with scores of 58 and an emphatic 105 respectively. However, it was Sarfaraz whose explosive batting stole the limelight as he dominated the opposing bowlers, sending them on a leather hunt all around the park.
Undoubtedly, Sarfaraz Khan is virtually hammering on the doors of the Indian national team with his consistent run-making ability and seems to be the next in line for a potential spot in the Test lineup, should a vacancy arise. Observers, cricket aficionados, and selectors alike are taking keen notice of his undeniable talent.
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It’s clear that Sarfaraz Khan’s response to being overlooked for national selection is nothing short of remarkable. His determination and skill have shone through in domestic performances, leaving many to wonder just how much longer he will have to wait to receive the call he has worked tirelessly for – a call to play for India at the highest level of the game.
