Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy chances have hit a severe blow. The record-Ranji Trophy champions might not be able to field Sarfaraz Khan in their quarter-final clash against a star-studded Karnataka team. This is because Sarfaraz Khan has been hospitalised due to a viral fever just ahead of the must-win clash at the BKC Ground in Mumbai.
Sarfaraz Khan out of Ranji Trophy QF?
Sarfaraz, who holds a massive key in Mumbai’s middle order, was set to continue his superb run in this domestic season. However, his progress has hit a roadblock. The 28-year-old Indian international, who eyes a comeback in the senior team, has made 429 runs at 53.63 in this Ranji Trophy tournament so far and may not play the clash against Karnataka. Meanwhile, the Karnataka team will feature Test opener KL Rahul under the leadership of Devdutt Padikkal, who recently scripted a season-changing run-chase for his team against Punjab.
While the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) hasn’t confirmed that Sarfaraz is ruled out, his health may not be compromised. The Mumbai team has been bolstered by the returns of captain Shardul Thakur and Yashasvi Jaiswal. This would make Mumbai’s team even stronger. Siddesh Lad, who has been in rich vein of form with four consecutive centuries to his name, has been the rock in Mumbai’s team this season.
Mumbai squad for QF vs Karnataka:
Shardul Thakur (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Akhil Herwadkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Sairaj Patil, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Avasthi, Onkar Tarmale, Divyansh Saxena, Suryansh Shedge.
