Indian middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan has expressed deep frustration over his prolonged absence from the national Test squad. Speaking on Monday after the opening day of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Railways at the Brabourne Stadium, the 29-year-old questioned his motivation to keep pushing through rigorous routines when consistent domestic performances fail to earn him a senior team recall.
Sarfaraz last featured for India during the Test series against New Zealand in 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite maintaining a strict training regime, losing 22 kilograms, and consistently scoring heavily in domestic competitions and India A fixtures, he has struggled to secure a permanent spot in the playing eleven, often being overlooked for away assignments in South Africa and England.
Frustration Over Selection Policy
The right-handed batter highlighted that national selectors appear to view him primarily as a specialist for home conditions. However, he pointed out that he has previously scored rapid hundreds for India A on foreign soil, including a 63-ball century in South Africa and a 76-ball hundred in England, which makes his ongoing exclusion difficult to comprehend.
- Sarfaraz Khan questioned his daily motivation, admitting he frequently asks why he should continue working hard without a clear international path.
- The Mumbai batsman recently scored 55 runs off 100 balls against Railways in the Ranji Trophy match at the Brabourne Stadium.
- He noted that despite touring with the senior squad to Sri Lanka and Australia as a replacement, he was never given an opportunity in the playing XI.
- Sarfaraz credited his father, Naushad Khan, as his primary pillar of support and inspiration through challenging phases of his career.
Looking Ahead In Domestic Cricket
Reflecting on his future in professional cricket, Sarfaraz emphasized that his immediate focus remains entirely on performing for Mumbai and maintaining a high standard of fitness. Having shed significant weight to improve his footwork and overall agility, the aggressive batsman insists he will continue playing wherever opportunities arise, whether in domestic first-class matches or limited-overs tournaments, while leaving the final decision of a national recall entirely to the selection committee.
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