Selectors of team India published the squad for test team for the West Indies tour. However One name that did not make the list is in form batsmen Sarfaraz Khan. Snubbing Sarfaraz from the squad has left many baffled and curious to know the reason behind his eviction. From fans to ex Indian players, all are demanding a reason behind this decision. One thing that remain constant over couple of years is the selection process of the committee.
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Hailing from Mumbai, Sarfaraz has exhibited a flair for aggressive batting and a wide range of strokes. Transitioning from junior to senior cricket, he has shown immense potential and determination, making significant contributions to his team. With his strong work ethic and a hunger for success, Sarfaraz Khan continues to make strides in his cricketing career.
Team India Selectors over looked Sarfaraz Khan Batting Average to snub his selection in the squad?
Sarfaraz khan with an average of almost 80 could not register his place in Team India squad, Rather Yashasvi Jaiswal got his maiden call for the test series against west Indies. Yashasvi’s selection must not be a surprise to many as he is equally better performing as is Sarfaraz. While Sarfarz has an avg of 79.65, on the other hand Jaiswal edges away with 80.21 in First Class cricket. Even If Jaiswal has a thinnest of margin to out perform Khan for the selection? Then why is so much noise in the cricketing corridors for not considering Sarfaraz for selection?
Well the other name that has made the list of players other than Yashasvi Jaiswal is Rituraj Gaikward. If stats is a criteria for selection then Gaikwards name over Sarfaraz can raise some eyebrows as Gaikward’s avegerage is 42 in First Class and is almost half of what Khan has. Selection of players is one thing that has left the fans and experts guessing as to what selectors look into while they finalize the squad.
Akash Chopra demands reason for absence of Sarfaraz name from the Squad
Sharing his views on Youtube via his channel, ex cricketer says “they should reveal the ‘reason’ behind Sarfaraz’s absence from the Test team as the batter has been doing everything right in First Class cricket.”
The commentator further added by saying “If you don’t value first-class runs, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth,”. Such statements leaves the fans guessing is First Class cricket performance even a point of consideration while selecting a team for test cricket. One thing to focus here is that both Yashasvi and Rituraj are big names in IPL and have been performing well there. They have been in constant picture and talking points for selection. Whereas, Sarfarz has not had a great outing in any of IPL seasons lately. Is IPL a breaking ground for selection in any format other than T20? No one really knows the answer to that.
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It really doesn’t matter what is the selection criteria for the teams till the time players are performing. But exclusion of a players for so long even after strong performance, is a valid question worth asking. Being a private entity BCCI has all rights to not give justification. Well if the selection committee does not wish to land in hot water? They must wish the players preferred over others must perform well to shun the voices.
India’s Test squad for West Indies: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.
