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Sarfaraz Khan for India - (Source: AFP )
On Tuesday, October 21, the BCCI released the squad for India A's upcoming unofficial Tests vs South Africa A, starting from Oct 30-November 2 and November 6-Nov9). Rishabh Pant will lead the side, but the fans focused on Sarfaraz Khan, who was still absent from the side.
Notably, it has been a curious case of Khan, as the right-handed batter, who is India's contracted cricketer, is yet to play a solitary Test since the home Tests vs New Zealand in 2024. At present, Sarfaraz is part of Mumbai's squad for the Ranji Trophy, but his exclusion from India A series has sparked a fear among fans that Khan might not be in the plans for the upcoming home Tests vs South Africa.
Reason revealed behind Sarfaraz absence from West Indies series
Sarfaraz, who continues to dominate the domestic circuit, was left out of the West Indies tour citing injury concerns. However, his social media post hinting at full fitness sparked controversy. However, in the latest events, reports from Express sports suggest that Khan had not received an NOC from BCCI's centre of excellence till September 27, while the squad was named on September 25.
"It's learnt that he was only included in that team (India A's Tour Of England) because it was felt that his absence might raise uncomfortable questions, as he was a contracted player. It's also learnt that a message was passed to the batsman that he will be considered for the home Test series. But Sarfaraz wasn't selected for the two-Test series against West Indies at home, because he wasn't fully match-fit and the Centre of Excellence (COE) had not cleared his fitness. The senior selection committee picked that team on September 25 while Sarfaraz cleared his fitness test on September 27," the report remarked from Indian express.
Sarfaraz's absence since New Zealand tour
Let's look at Sarfaraz's timeline and the series since he missed the 2024 test series against New Zealand.
New Zealand tour of India in 2024
Sarfaraz was part of India's home Tests against New Zealand, where he scored 171 runs in six innings, averaging 28.50.
BGT 2024
Sarfaraz was part of India's squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but failed to get a solitary match.
India tour of England 2025
While Sarfaraz Khan was part of India's squad to Australia, he was not even considered for England series despite playing a 92-runs knock for India A against England A.
In the latest events, he was left out for West Indies Tests and now also looks doubtful for South Africa series as reports suggest that selectors are looking him for No.3 position.
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