Sarfaraz Khan: The upcoming Test series between India and Australia has been met with mixed reactions from cricket enthusiasts, with many raising questions about the new selection committee’s choices. One of the notable omissions is that of Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in impressive form in domestic cricket.
Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has come down heavily on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selectors, saying ignoring Sarfaraz Khan for the upcoming Test series against Australia is “unfair” and “an abuse of domestic cricket”. The 25-year-old Sarfaraz, who represents Mumbai, is a prolific run-getter in domestic cricket. On Tuesday, he scored another century — against Delhi in a Ranji Trophy Group B match –, making it the batter’s 13th first-class ton.
Prasad, who has had coaching stints with Indian Premier League (IPL) sides Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings), also took a jibe at some India cricketers, saying there are many in the squad who weigh more than Sarfaraz, who is on the heavier side.
“Not having him (Sarfaraz) in the Test Team despite 3 blockbuster domestic seasons is not only unfair on Sarfaraz Khan, but it’s an abuse to domestic cricket, almost as if this platform doesn’t matter,” tweeted Prasad.
Sarfaraz’s Century
Sarfaraz’s century, his third in the ongoing edition of the Ranji Trophy was yet another reminder to the national selectors that he has the class to be a part of the India Test squad. The century and his passionate celebration, by taking off his helmet, doing the thigh-five celebration, and gesturing towards his teammates on the boundary line, was a powerful statement that he believes that he should be in the test squad.
In the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, he has amassed 1,910 runs in just 12 games, averaging 136.42. These statistics alone should be enough to warrant a place in the Indian Test squad, according to many cricket experts.
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Sarfaraz’s omission has also raised questions about the role of the domestic cricket platform in the selection process. Many believe that domestic cricket should be given more weightage and that players who perform well in domestic cricket should be given a fair chance to prove themselves at the international level.
The Indian team will have to be at their best if they want to beat Australia in their own backyard. The Australians are known for their fierce competitiveness and the team will have to be prepared for the hostile conditions that they will face.
Venkatesh Prasad’s Statement
The former India bowling coach, Venkatesh Prasad, urged the selectors to be smart and not to overlook the domestic cricket players who are in good form and are ready for the challenge. He believes that the selectors should look at the bigger picture and not ignore the domestic cricket platform, as it is an important stepping stone for the players to move to the international level.
The Indian team will begin their tour of Australia with a four-match Test series, starting on February 9th. The team will then play a three-match ODI series, starting on January 14.
The omission of Sarfaraz Khan from the Indian Test squad has raised many questions about the new selection committee’s choices and the role of domestic cricket in the selection process.
It is important for the selectors to consider the performances of domestic players and give them a fair chance to prove themselves at the international level.