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Dilip Vengsarkar rips apart Agarkar-Gambhir over Sarfaraz Khan; hints foul play

Akshita Patel

Vengsarkar comes out in support of Sarfaraz Khan [Source: @sarfarazkhan977, @MidnightMusinng/X.com]Vengsarkar comes out in support of Sarfaraz Khan [Source: @sarfarazkhan977, @MidnightMusinng/X.com]

Sarfaraz Khan, Mumbai’s domestic stalwart, is repeatedly getting ignored by selectors despite piling up runs across all domestic format tournaments. This prompted strong words from former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who called Sarfaraz’s neglect a “real shame”. 

At 28, Sarfaraz’s numbers speak loudly. He has scored 4863 runs in 60 first-class matches at an astonishing average of 63.15, including 16 centuries. 

For long, critics tagged him as a red-ball specialist, but the past year has completely changed that narrative. Sarfaraz has not just adapted to white-ball cricket, he has dominated it.

Dilip Vengsarkar baffled by Sarfaraz Khan's omission

His latest statement came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed a breathtaking 157 off just 75 balls against Goa. The innings, filled with nine fours and 14 sixes, powered Mumbai to a massive 444.

This wasn’t a one-off. In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2025, Sarfaraz Khan made a total of 329 runs in seven matches with a strike rate of over 200, with the best being the first hundred off 47 balls and the fastest two fifties by any Mumbai batsman.

Despite this, Sarfaraz remains on the fringes of the Indian team. Dilip Vengsarkar, also from Mumbai and a former chief selector, questioned why such consistency has not been rewarded.

"You know, the thing is, it's really baffing for me that why he's not pick in any format for India, when he has done well so consistently, even for India also when he got an opportunity. I watched him and (Devdutt) Padikkal batting together against England in Dharamshala (in the fifth and final Test of that series in Jan-Feb 2024)," Vengsarkar told TOI.

He pointed to Sarfaraz’s crucial partnership with Devdutt Padikkal against England in the Dharamshala Test, where the Mumbai batter showed composure under pressure and helped India seal a big win. Yet, opportunities dried up soon after.

"It was a crucial session. They batted beautifully and forged together an important partnership (97 in 132 balls for the fourth wicket), which ultimately helped India win the Test match. And after that (home series against England), he didn't get an opportunity. Of course, he was on the tour of Australia, but he wasn't given a chance at all. And that really baffles me, because he's a good enough player to play in all formats of the game. Such a talent has been ignored and neglected. It's a real shame," he added.

Will Sarfaraz get a call-up for the New Zealand ODI series?

Sarfaraz Khan turned heads with a stunning 56-ball century for Mumbai against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, smashing 157 off 75 balls in a dominant display. 

With India yet to announce the ODI squad for the New Zealand series and injuries creating openings, Sarfaraz’s red-hot domestic form strengthens his case for a long-awaited ODI call-up. 

Since Shreyas Iyer is also injured, there’s an open spot for Sarfaraz Khan to squeeze into only if selectors deem him a perfect fit.