Sarfaraz Khan started his Test career on a high note, with twin half-centuries on debut followed by a smooth 150 in Bengaluru that helped India come back from a large first-innings deficit. At 37.10 from six Test matches, Sarfaraz has given glimpses of what he can offer at the top level. But despite good performance, he was not named in the team for the Australia tour a move that surprised and possibly exposed the mindset of the team administration.
No Consistency In Scoring Runs
“Sometimes we just have to make those decisions,” Agarkar said. “Sarfaraz did play the three Test matches [against New Zealand] in India. I know he got a hundred in the first Test, didn’t get runs [after that] and missed out in Australia. Sometimes those are decisions which the team management takes. Whether it’s fair on somebody or unfair on someone, those are the choices that you make in the best interest of the team.”
Karun Nair Picked Over Sarfaraz Khan
“At the moment, we felt Karun has put up heaps of runs over the last couple of seasons. He’s played a little bit of Test cricket early in his career, has played a bit of county cricket. We feel that he’s batting well enough. Also now with Virat not there, clearly lacking a little bit of experience in the batting. Jaiswal is touring [England] for the first time. I know Gill has played one Test match [there]. It’s only KL and Pant who have played a series there before. So we felt Nair’s experience could help. Sometimes it is going to be unfair on somebody else but eventually you’ve got to make choices.”
Karun Nair Heroics In 2016
His omission is being interpreted by most as an indication to the selectors that management would rather have experience and calm in the middle order, particularly in challenging conditions overseas. This may be why Karun Nair, a more seasoned campaigner with previous success at the global level, has been recalled to the arrangement. Famous for his triple century against England in 2016, Nair provides a composed, technically able presence that may be better suited to the rhythm and bounce of Australian wickets.
As Sarfaraz’s future is bright, but his exclusion makes one realize how tough the competition for India’s middle-order places is and how crucial timing and consistency are in order to make a lasting impression at the global level.
