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'Can Sarfaraz Not Be Considered At All?' - Chopra Urges Gambhir To Include Mumbai Batter In BGT

Sakshi Sharma

Sarfaraz Khan vs NZ in Bengaluru (Source:@sarfarazkhan977,x.com)Sarfaraz Khan vs NZ in Bengaluru (Source:@sarfarazkhan977,x.com)

In a significant development, Aakash Chopra has voiced his support for middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, and have urged the Indian team management to include him in the playing XI for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The five-match Test series between India and Australia is set to commence on November 22 in Perth. 

Aakash Chopra Backs Sarfaraz Khan For BGT

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra expressed disappointment at the possibility of Sarfaraz being overlooked despite his proven track record. 

Reports suggest that the Indian team may prioritise players like KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel for the middle-order role, that clearly means that Sarfaraz Khan might miss a chance from the playing XI.  

He stated that the team management should show their trust in the Mumbai player, and if he has been taken to Australia, then it would be wrong if he is not given a chance to prove himself on the big stage. 

"Can Sarfaraz not be considered at all? Although you and I might have less confidence in him, it doesn't make a difference what you, I or the team think about him. If you have taken him along, it's your duty to try him at least," he said. 

He also added and emphasized that the management must give him a fair opportunity if they deemed him worthy of selection.  

"Without trying, you cannot tell anyone that you are not enjoying playing him, especially a player who is tried and tested. You played him and he scored 150. You played him against England before that and he scored runs. So after scoring runs, you cannot tell anyone that there is a chance and a place but you would play someone else ahead of him," he elaborated.

It is important to mention that, Sarfaraz Khan has been in and out of the Indian Test team, and has recently faced criticism for his inconsistency in the longest format. While his knock against New Zealand remains a highlight, his subsequent failures in four innings against England raised doubts about his reliability. 

As the BGT is almost knocking at the door, it will be interesting to see if Sarfaraz Khan is included in the playing XI and if the star player can prove himself at the big contest.