New Delhi: Dhruv Jurel might not be a straightforward selection for in their playing XI after Sarfaraz Khan made it to the squad as a replacement for injured Sai Sudharsan ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against . India will play two Test matches against the hosts, with the series opener getting underway in Galle on Saturday, August 15.
In Sudharsan’s absence, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to take up the no.3 spot, leaving Sarfaraz battling for a spot in the middle order with Jurel. While Jurel has done well in the limited opportunities he has gotten in his Test career so far, Sarfaraz’s game is better suited for spin, which might give him the edge over the wicket-keeper batter.
Sarfaraz made his comeback in India’s Test squad after almost a year and a half, replacing Sudharsan. Having reduced weight and worked on his game, the right-hander will be raring to go and cement his spot in the team. The Mumbai batter has already showcased his ability to tackle spin effectively and can be a strong contender for the middle order for India in Sri Lanka.
Sarfaraz slammed a brilliant century in the home Test series against New Zealand in 2024, where the rest of the Indian batters struggled against spin as the hosts lost the three-match series 3-0. With similar conditions expected in Sri Lanka, the Indian team management might be tempted to give him a go over Jurel.
Mohammed Kaif backs Sarfaraz over Jurel
Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has also backed Sarfaraz to be India’s first-choice middle-order batter over Jurel in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Kaif insisted the team management might prefer continuity with Jurel, but Sarfaraz will be better suited for the conditions in Sri Lanka, where spin is expected to play a key role.
“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,” added the former India batter.
Kaif also highlighted Sarfaraz’s strong record against spin and said having a batter like him in the middle will help ease the pressure on others. Sarfaraz’s skills against spin can come in handy for the visitors in avoiding a repeat of what happened when they faced New Zealand and South Africa at home.
“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.