IND vs SL: Sarfaraz Khan is finally back in India’s Test squad. The Mumbai batter has been added to the team for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
He has replaced the injured Sai Sudharsan. The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15. However, Sarfaraz’s return to the squad does not mean he will definitely play.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Dhruv Jurel could still get the nod ahead of Sarfaraz in the first Test.
Why has Sarfaraz Khan been called back?
Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series because of an injury. This created a spot in India’s squad. The selectors decided to bring Sarfaraz back into the team.
It is a big opportunity for the Mumbai batter after a long wait for another Test chance. Sarfaraz last played a Test for India against New Zealand in 2024.
Sarfaraz has already shown his ability
Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England in 2024. He made an impressive start and scored a half-century in his first Test. His biggest Test innings came against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
He scored a brilliant 150 runs in that match. However, he struggled in his next few innings. He was eventually left out of the team. Since then, he has continued to play domestic cricket and wait for another India opportunity.
What did Ashwin say about Sarfaraz?
Ravichandran Ashwin believes the Indian team needs to be clear about Sarfaraz’s role. He suggested that captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir should have a proper conversation with the batter.
If the team believes Sarfaraz has weaknesses in certain conditions, Ashwin feels they should tell him clearly. At the same time, Sarfaraz should understand where he can be most useful to India. Ashwin believes Sarfaraz can be a very dangerous batter on Asian pitches against spin.
Why could Sarfaraz be useful in Galle?
Galle could offer plenty of help to spin bowlers as the Test progresses. This could work in Sarfaraz’s favour. He is comfortable playing spin and uses his feet well against slower bowlers.
He also has shots such as the sweep and reverse sweep. These shots can help him put pressure on Sri Lanka’s spinners. His ability against spin could make him an interesting option for India in Galle.
Dhruv Jurel could still get the chance
Sarfaraz faces strong competition for a place in the playing 11. Ashwin believes Dhruv Jurel could be preferred for the first Test. Jurel gives India an extra wicketkeeping option.
He has also been part of India’s Test setup before. That could make him an attractive choice when the team looks at its overall balance. Sarfaraz, on the other hand, is mainly competing for a specialist batting position.
Devdutt Padikkal is also in race
Another player could make things difficult for Sarfaraz. Devdutt Padikkal has also made a strong case for himself. He scored an unbeaten 142 runs in India’s recent practice match against Sri Lanka XI.
That innings strengthened his chances of batting at No. 3 after Sudharsan’s injury. India therefore have several options for the middle order.
Could Sarfaraz bat at no. 6?
One possible option is to use Sarfaraz at No. 6. This could give India another specialist batter who is comfortable against spin. His attacking style could be useful if the pitch becomes difficult for batting. However, India’s final decision will depend on the team combination and the conditions in Galle.
Sarfaraz needs a clear role
Sarfaraz’s biggest challenge may not simply be getting into the playing 11. It could be understanding what India expects from him.
If the management sees him as a batter who can dominate spin in Asian conditions, he could have an important role in the team.
But if India wants him to become a regular Test batter in all conditions, he will need to show that he can also succeed against different types of bowling overseas.
This is why Ashwin’s advice is important. Sarfaraz needs clarity about his role so that he can focus on improving the areas the team wants him to work on.