Despite having a string of impressive showings with the bat, Sarfaraz Khan has found himself on the fringes of the Indian setup. In his bid to make a comeback in the Indian Test side, the 28-year-old batter
from Mumbai has scored back-to-back centuries in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, with a record in the First-class cricket that speaks volumes. Sarfaraz announced himself on the international stage in his Test debut in Rajkot against England in 2024, scoring 62 and an unbeaten 68 followed by a 56 in Dharamshala. But he missed two important series as he wasn’t picked up for the squad against England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, due to reports claiming his fitness concerns.
In a reportedly passionate endorsement, former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has called for Sarfaraz Khan to be given a run in India’s Test squad, dismissing concerns about his fitness as an unfair barrier to his selection. Speaking on a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Gayle said, “He’s just fine. He was still scoring runs, The man scored triple centuries in first-class cricket. So if they’re using that against him, that’s sad, you know.”
He further added, “That youngster should have been a part of the squad 100%. India has so much talent, man, but give the man a run.” Gayle’s remarks come as Sarfaraz continues to pile on runs in domestic cricket, making a compelling case for his return to the national side ahead of India’s home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa in October and November 2025.
Sarfaraz Khan scored back-to-back centuries in ongoing Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament
Sarfaraz Khan kicked off the 2025 domestic season in spectacular fashion, delivering back-to-back centuries in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai. In the tournament opener against TNCA XI on August 18, Sarfaraz smashed a blistering 138 off 114 balls in an innings including ten fours and six sixes, he retired hurt due to a quadriceps injury. Coming in at number five with Mumbai struggling at 98 for 3, Sarfaraz forged a 72-run partnership with Suved Parkar and a century stand with Aakash Parkar, powering Mumbai to a commanding 367 for 5 by the end of day one. Just over a week later, on August 26, Sarfaraz continued his scintillating form with another century, this time a 99-ball 111 against Haryana, finishing with nine fours and five sixes.
Reports claim that his aggressive approach, combined with improved fitness, having shed 17 kilograms during the off-season has sent a strong message to selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Sarfaraz Khan’s domestic first-class career is a testament to his prodigious talent and consistency. Since making his debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in 2014, Sarfaraz has amassed 4,685 runs in 55 first-class matches at an extraordinary average of 65.98, placing him among the elite with the fifth-highest first-class average for batters with a minimum of 50 innings.
He has slammed 16 centuries and 14 half-centuries in first class cricket. His maiden Test century, a sparkling 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024, was a high point, but his form dipped in the subsequent four innings, where he managed just 21 runs, contributing to India’s 3-0 home whitewash. Despite being part of the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Sarfaraz did not feature in any of the five Tests. His omission from the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, despite a solid 92 for India A against England Lions, reportedly raised eyebrows.
