Sarfaraz Khan has waited too long. His runs pile up like mountains. His domestic record demands attention. Yet, Indian selectors keep ignoring him. It’s heartbreaking. He does everything right. But whispers of personal issues, maybe with Gautam Gambhir, block his path.
He was in the Australia squad. He traveled far. Stayed ready. But sat on the bench. Others got chances. He got none. Then, no spot for the 2025 England tour. Why? He had just scored a Test century. His debut was electric. It feels so unfair.
Building a Strong Base: The Domestic Giant
Sarfaraz’s domestic record is not just good. It’s historic. He dominates first-class cricket. Year after year, he scores big. This is why he deserves a Test spot.
The Young Talent: From School to Under-19
His story starts early. At 12, in 2009, he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record. He scored 439 in a Harris Shield school match. Everyone saw his gift. In Under-19 World Cups, he made seven fifties. A record. Coaches called him gutsy. He read games well. Played shots all around.
The Ranji King (2019-2023)
Back in Mumbai for 2019-20, he exploded. 928 runs in six matches. A triple century too—301* vs Uttar Pradesh. In 2021-22, he topped Ranji with 982 runs. In 2022-23, he added 556. His average hit over 80 at one point. Second only to Don Bradman. Elite.
Sarfaraz loves big scores. He saves Mumbai often. Home feels right. That’s where he shines. Selectors should note this. Domestic cricket is the Test path. But IPL stars get caps faster. It’s unfair to grinders like him.
An Elite Average
His first-class average is around 66. In 2023, it was 80.47. Second to Bradman for 50+ innings. Stunning. Yet, IPL flash overshadows first-class grit. Why ignore such talent?
The Test Journey: Short but Bright
Sarfaraz waited years. Got his Test cap in 2024. He shone bright. But was dropped fast. It’s puzzling. He proved he belongs at the top.
Debut with Fire
February 15, 2024, vs England in Rajkot. Twin fifties—62 off 66, 68* off 72. Strike rate 94.2. Highest ever for debut twin fifties. Bold, fearless. He pressured England’s bowlers.
Later, a 150 vs New Zealand in Bengaluru. Brave in a 3-0 series loss. He showed he fits in Tests.
Why Dropped? A Closer Look
After his ton, four low scores: 11, 9, 0, 1. Dropped for England 2025. Selector Ajit Agarkar called it a team choice. They picked Karun Nair. Said Nair had heaps of runs, Test experience, county play. Virat Kohli was retired.
But stats tell another story. Sarfaraz: 556 runs at 92.66 in 2022-23. Nair: 690 at 40.58 in 2023-24. Sarfaraz was twice as good. Yet, he’s out. Unfair.
He got a short rope. Others get longer. Nair’s last Test was eight years ago. Old experience. It’s hard for new players like Sarfaraz. He was in Australia’s squad. No games. Others played. Then England snub. Maybe Gambhir’s bias. It hurts to see.
Facing the Doubts: Fitness and Behavior
Whispers shadow Sarfaraz. Fitness issues. Attitude problems. Media buzz hurts his chances. But he fights back.
The Fitness Fix
They said he was unfit. Missed West Indies 2023. Unsold in IPL 2025. Sunil Gavaskar defended him: Focus on runs, not body.
Behavior Questions
After a century vs Delhi, he pointed to the dressing room. Seen as a jab at a selector. But it was for coach Amol Muzumdar. In the 2022 Ranji final, he reportedly irked coach Chandrakant Pandit. Not true. Pandit treats him like a son.
Rumors without proof. Hard to fight. BCCI stays silent.
Expert Views
Gavaskar says players must perform big. Be undroppable. Aakash Chopra calls it unfair. Selectors’ logic is flawed. New holistic picks are less clear. It hurts merit.
The Comeback Story: Proving Them Wrong
Sarfaraz didn’t complain. He acted. Changed his body. Proved skill abroad. Scored tons. It’s inspiring.
Body Change
He lost 17 kg in two months. No rice, no sugar. Grilled chicken, salads, eggs, sprouts. Green tea. Family helped. He looks fit now. Ready for all.
Skill Abroad
Doubts about overseas play? Answered. For India A in England, 92 on a green pitch. Seam and swing. He handled it. Earlier, 161 vs Lions at home. He’s versatile, not a home bully.
Back in Form
After the drop: 92 for India A. 61 in Kanga League. 138 and 111 in Buchi Babu. Centuries flow. He’s peaking now.
The Big Test: Duleep Trophy Ahead
Duleep Trophy 2025-26 is here. It’s huge for Sarfaraz. A stage to face the best. Selectors are watching.It’s above Ranji. Zones compete. A Test trial. India’s home season nears. Fringe players fight. Sarfaraz is in West Zone. He can shine.
Why He Deserves It
Elite domestic record. Proven in Tests. Doubts crushed. Form on fire. Duleep can seal his case. He’s ready. A must-have.
Time to Reward the Fighter
Sarfaraz’s story touches hearts. From young star to warrior. He’s changed everything. His runs weigh heavy. But selectors shut him out. Maybe Gambhir’s issues. It’s sad.He deserves his comeback. India needs him. Middle order awaits. Reward this fighter. Give hope to domestic stars. No more excuses. Let Sarfaraz shine.
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