Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar slammed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir for constantly ignoring Sarfaraz Khan across formats of the game. Despite performing well in domestic tournaments, the Mumbai batter has been ignored for selection. Sarfaraz was last seen in action for India back in the IND vs NZ series in 2024.
Why is Sarfaraz Khan ignored?
In an interview to Times of India, Vengsarkar claimed that it was baffling to see Sarfaraz not being picked for even a single format despite performing well consistently. Citing the batter’s knock in Dharamsala against England and his partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, the former Indian selector noted that it had helped India win the Test eventually. Dubbing Sarfaraz as an all format player, Vengsarkar said that it was shameful that such a talent was neglected and ignored.
“You know, the thing is, it’s really baffing for me that why he’s not pick in any format for India, when he has done well so consistently, even for India also when he got an opportunity. . And that really baffles me, because he’s a good enough player to play in all formats of the game. Such a talent has been ignored and neglected. It’s a real shame,” he said.
Sarfaraz Khan has been in red-hot form off late, impressing with his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT 2025/26). He has scored one century and four fifties in the last ten games that he has played. After going initially unsold in the IPL 2026 auction, the Mumbai batter was picked up by five-time champions Chennai Super Kings for Rs 75 lakh, giving him a fresh lease of life.
Sarfaraz was expected to be picked for the Test series against England earlier this year and he had worked quite hard for it, shedding 17 kilos. However, he was snubbed and was once again ignored for the series against West Indies and South Africa at home.
