Sarfaraz Khan’s Ranji Trophy Captain Responds to India A Snub, Says…
Thakur backs Sarfaraz, saying India A selection isn’t a prerequisite for international cricket; India A to be led by Rishabh Pant against South Africa A.
Mumbai, Oct 25: Sarfaraz Khan was unexpectedly left out of the India A squad for the two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa A, despite being an internationally capped player. The Ajit Agarkar led selection committee chose not to include him, leaving Sarfaraz to continue representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
Reacting to the snub, Sarfaraz’s Ranji Trophy captain, Shardul Thakur, said the India A selection isn’t essential for playing at the international level. Speaking to the media ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, Thakur stated:
“Nowadays, for the India A side they look at boys who they want to prepare for international cricket. Sarfaraz doesn’t need an India A game to play international cricket. If he gets back to scoring runs, he can straightaway play in the Test series.”
Sarfaraz made his much-awaited Test debut against England in early 2024 and featured in the home series against New Zealand. He also traveled to Australia for the five-match Test series but did not get a game. Recently, he was dropped from the squad for the England tour and missed a chance to return via India A.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant will lead the India A side in the upcoming two unofficial Tests, marking his comeback after a foot injury that sidelined him since the fourth Test against England in July. Sai Sudharsan will assist Pant in the series, while KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are set to feature in the second unofficial Test.
The South Africa A team is scheduled to tour India for two unofficial Tests, three unofficial ODIs, and five T20Is, providing upcoming Indian talent an opportunity to impress ahead of international fixtures.
