Sarfaraz Khan last played international cricket during India's shambolic 0-3 defeat in the Test series against New Zealand in 2024. He missed the subsequent Border-Gavaskar series. Ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar
Trophy, Sarfaraz underwent a physical transformation, shedding several kilos to get in prime shape. However, he failed to make a comeback to the side for the tour of the United Kingdom. He suffered another setback when he was not named in the squad for the home Test series against the West Indies.
However, what surprised fans the most was his absence from India A's squad for the series against South Africa A. The Mumbai batter will now look to score runs in the domestic circuit, which can help him get back into the Test team.
His Mumbai captain, Shardul Thakur, said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) looks to pick those cricketers in the India A squad who they are looking to groom for the international circuit. He believes that Sarfaraz will return to the Indian team once he gets back among the runs for Mumbai. In Mumbai's first game in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz managed scores of 42 and 32 in the two innings.
"Nowadays, for the India A side, they look at boys, who they want to prepare for international cricket. Sarfraz doesn't need an India A game to play international cricket. If he gets back to scoring again, he can straight away go and play Test series also," Thakur told the media ahead of Mumbai's clash against Chhattisgarh, which begins on Saturday, October 25.
"Coming back against J&K in the previous match, he had a nice 40 (42). It was very unfortunate to have been run out. But for him, I don't think playing India A is important," Thakur said, expressing confidence in Sarfaraz’s ability to contribute in key matches.
He has done it for years and years: Shardul on Sarfaraz
Earlier this year, Sarfaraz had travelled with the India A teams for the tours of Australia and England, but could not break into the senior Test side. Notably, he struck a composed 92 against the England Lions in Canterbury, silencing his naysayers with a solid performance in pace- and bounce-friendly English conditions.
Thakur expressed his confidence in Sarfaraz, saying that the 28-year-old has scored big runs for Mumbai, especially when they have been under pressure. The all-rounder backed Sarfaraz to excel, regardless of whichever position he walks out to bat.
"He is a senior pro and whenever we put him in there in the 22 yards, he is someone who always delivers in crunch situations. He has big scores of 200-250s and those innings have come when the team was two or three down quite early in the innings. To play that kind of innings under pressure, you have to have something special in you," he said, highlighting Sarfaraz’s temperament.
"He is one of the special players who never disappoints to perform and put up big scores. He has done it for years and years. Regardless of which number he bats, I think he will deliver," Thakur concluded.
