In a display of sheer dominance, Sarfaraz Khan hammered a breathtaking 76-ball century in a two-day warm-up match between the Indian Test squad and India A at Beckenham, just ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley. The 27-year-old Mumbai batsman, who has been repeatedly overlooked for the national Test side, made a powerful statement with 15 fours and 2 towering sixes before being retired out to allow other batsmen a chance. This knock comes hot on the heels of his gritty 92 against the England Lions in Canterbury earlier this month, underlining his adaptability and form in challenging English conditions.
Despite such consistent performances, Sarfaraz finds himself on the sidelines of the Indian Test squad for the England tour, a decision announced last month by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. His exclusion has reignited fierce debates over the selection criteria and fairness in decision-making, especially given his domestic prowess and a staggering first-class average of over 69 across 45 matches, including 14 centuries. His recent red-ball journey saw a monumental 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024, yet he has played only a handful of games since, followed by a nearly six-month hiatus from the format.
Former Indian opener and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has been vocal about the injustice meted out to Sarfaraz. ‘Sarfaraz Khan hasn’t done anything wrong thus far. In the one Test he played against New Zealand, he scored over 90 runs. Yes, he missed out on a hundred, but he delivered. Yet, he wasn’t played in subsequent matches and now isn’t even in the Test squad,’ Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel. He questioned the logic behind sending Sarfaraz to India A if there are doubts about his game. ‘If you lack confidence in his technique for overseas conditions like England, Australia, or South Africa, then make a clear call. Don’t send him with India A if you have preconceived notions. But if you believe he can score runs, as evident by his inclusion in India A, then why not play him in the Test team?’ Chopra added, highlighting the inconsistency in the selectors’ approach.
Chopra also pointed to Sarfaraz’s sparse opportunities, noting, ‘He hasn’t failed in overseas conditions because he hasn’t been given a chance. Even after scoring a ton in Bengaluru, he struggled in a couple of games where no one else scored either. He wasn’t even in the conversation for the Australia tour. If your name is Sarfaraz Khan, it feels like something isn’t right. What has he done wrong? Perhaps nothing, yet he’s not in the playing XI or even in the scheme of things. It’s honestly a bit sad.’
On the other side of the debate, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar defended the decision to opt for veteran Karun Nair over Sarfaraz, emphasizing team strategy over individual performances. ‘Sometimes, you have to make tough decisions in the best interest of the team. Sarfaraz scored a 100 in the first Test against New Zealand but couldn’t capitalize later. These choices, whether fair or unfair to someone, are made with the team’s needs in mind,’ Agarkar explained during a press conference last week.
Sarfaraz’s scintillating performance in Beckenham, however, is a reminder of his undeniable talent and hunger for runs. With over 4,000 first-class runs and a knack for big scores, his latest century is a loud message to the selectors: he belongs at the highest level. As India prepares to face England in a crucial five-match Test series starting at Headingley, the question remains—will Sarfaraz Khan finally get his due, or will his story continue to be one of missed opportunities?