'What should Sarfaraz do?': Aakash Chopra Slams BCCI For Ignoring Youngster From West Indies Tour
Sarfaraz averages 81.7 in 23 first-class matches [Twitter]
The recent announcement of Team India's Test and ODI squads for their upcoming tour of West Indies has brought about significant changes, especially in the Test format.
BCCI under fire over selection process
The Test squad includes young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, but one noticeable absence is Sarfaraz Khan. Despite consistently impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy over the past few years, Sarfaraz has yet to receive a national call-up, and once again, he has been overlooked for the West Indies tour, leaving many perplexed.
The omission of these talented players from India's squad for West Indies tour has sparked debate and raised questions about the selection process and the criteria used by the BCCI. Unhappy with the decision, former India opener Aakash Chopra also lambasted the board for their lack of transparency regarding Sarfaraz's absence.
Chopra expressed his disappointment on his official YouTube channel, posing the question of what Sarfaraz should do in this situation. He emphasized the youngster's exceptional numbers over the past three years which prove his superiority over other contenders. According to the former cricketer, Sarfaraz has delivered remarkable performances everywhere then what could be the reason behind his continous exclusion from the national squad.
"What should Sarfaraz do? If you look at his numbers in the past three years, he's head and shoulders above the rest. He's scored everywhere. Even then, if he's not selected... what message does it send?" questioned Chopra.
Chopra further asserted that if there are undisclosed factors influencing the decision, it is essential for the cricket board to make them public. By doing so, they can shed light on the specific aspect of Sarfaraz's game that might be causing concern. He reckoned that the lack of transparency leaves the public and Sarfaraz himself unaware of any potential shortcomings that may have influenced the selectors' decision.
"This is a question worth asking. If there's some other reason, something which you and I don't know, make it public. Just say it that you didn't like that particular thing about Sarfaraz, and that's why you're not considering him,” stated the cricketer-turned-commentator.
Chopra's criticism extended to the value placed on first-class runs in Indian cricket.
"If you don't value first-class runs, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth,” concluded Chopra.
India's tour of West Indies starts from July 12, with the Test series taking place first, followed by the 3-match ODI series and 5 T20Is.
 "Jatin")
