Sarfaraz Khan wasn’t even due to play in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand even though he made an amazing impression with his spectacular knock of 222 in the recent Irani Cup for Mumbai. He also had a great debut for India earlier in 2024 during the Test series against England, scoring three fifties in five innings. When KL Rahul was reinstated into the team, India chose to play the more-experienced player and left out Sarfaraz Khan from the team for the home series against Bangladesh last month.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Stellar Form A Threat To KL Rahul’s Spot
When Shubman Gill was ruled out from the first Test against Tom Latham’s side with a stiff neck, Sarfaraz got a chance and he definitely left is mark. The right-hander responded with his maiden Test century on Day 4 after being out for a duck in the first innings, helping make a comeback after 46 all out in the first innings. While most hailed Sarfaraz for the impressive knock under pressure, others argued that his show might threaten Rahul’s spot as Gill is likely to return to the ground for the New Zealand Test series. Like Sarfaraz, Rahul failed to score during the first innings but a 68-run innings at No. 6 did keep him in the game while playing against Bangladesh recently. Veteran Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary believes that KL Rahul’s place is in danger after seeing the attack mode by Sarfaraz on Day 3 as he completed his day sharing a crucial 136-run partnership with former captain Virat Kohli who scored 70 significant runs for the team.
Shubman Gill In and KL Rahul Out?
In conversation with Cricbuzz, Manoj Tiwary feels that once Gill is back for the second Test next week, he will find an easy outing to reclaim his No. 3 slot from where he has been displaced after scoring a century against Bangladesh in the recent Test series against Bangladesh. This situation might force the management of the team into making a choice of dropping KL Rahul, which will be even more pertinent with Sarfaraz’s incredible fom.
“You cannot remove Shubman Gill as of now because he scored a hundred in the previous series and he also has a very good record. When he recovers from his stiff neck, he will become an automatic choice. KL Rahul will be the one under most pressure,” Tiwary said.
“Even if Rahul doesn’t score runs in the next two Tests, he will still get preference for the initial Tests in Australia. But, if he doesn’t perform there as well, then Sarfaraz could come into the playing XI. I feel Sarfaraz should also get a fair opportunity. It is good that the players who are in the reserves are performing. There will definitely be pressure on some players in the playing XI,” he added.
