Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes that returning Sarfaraz Khan will be more suitable to play spin in that middle order and can take Dhruv Jurel’s place in the starting lineup for the first Test match against Sri Lanka, which is starting on August 15, in order to keep consistency in the team.
Sarfaraz could be useful on Sri Lanka’s turning pitches after waiting nearly a year and a half for another opportunity. His century against New Zealand was one of the few bright spots throughout India’s troubles in the series, demonstrating his effectiveness against spin.
Sarfaraz seemed comfortable against the turning ball, but India’s hitters struggled to counter New Zealand’s spinners throughout the Tests. His skill against spin could help him and increase his chances of making the starting lineup, since Sri Lanka is probably going to provide comparable circumstances.
Mohammad Kaif On Sarfaraz vs Jurel Selection Debate
“If they follow the trend of backing the players who have already been playing for the team, then they might say, ‘Jurel has been with us already. He has not scored consistently, but we will back him because he has already been part of the team,” Kaif said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“If that’s the approach, then Sarfaraz will have to wait. But if you ask me what the best XI is, Sarfaraz’s name comes into my best XI because of his ability to play spin at No. 5 or No. 6. His record against spin is excellent. He also has a wide range of shots. When you get to the fourth or fifth day, batting becomes more difficult, and that’s where a player like Sarfaraz Khan can be very useful,” Kaif added.
, who has been waiting nearly two years for another opportunity, now got it thanks to Sai Sudharsan’s injury. He has been included in India’s squad for the two-match away Test series against , which begins on Saturday, August 15.