Sarfaraz Khan has been snubbed once again, this time from the India A squad for the series against South Africa. The Mumbai batter, who shed nearly 17 kilograms before the IND vs ENG Test series in hopes of his selection, picked up a quadriceps injury during the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament following which he was forced to miss the Duleep Trophy. Now, a report has claimed that Rishabh Pant could be the reason why Sarfaraz failed to find a spot in the India A side.
Pant reason behind Sarfaraz’s snub?
As per news agency PTI, Pant – who has been named India A’s captain – is set to bat at number 5 and will play both the games. Sarfaraz, who also bats at number 5, lost out on a spot in the India A side because the selectors obviously prefer Pant over the Mumbai batter. Instead, a fully-fit Khan will participate in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 for Mumbai while he awaits his return to Tests.
Sarfaraz was last seen in action for India in the IND vs NZ Test series in 2024. It was a forgetful series for the batter, who registered scores of 0, 150, 11, 9, 0 and 1 in 6 innings. Subsequently, he was left out of the playing XI in Australia as well.
Sarfaraz at number 3?
In order to make his way back into the Indian team, Sarfaraz has been advised to try batting at another position instead of the usual number 5. A former national selector told PTI that Khan must have a chat with the Mumbai team management and try and bat at number 3. The ex-selector believes that India have plenty of options for number 5 and 6, and that Sarfaraz stands no chance of making it to the Indian team if he continues to bat at that position.
“Sarfaraz should have a chat with the Mumbai team management and also with their senior-most player, Ajinkya Rahane, and, maybe, try out batting at No. 3 where he might have to play the new ball. If he keeps batting at No. 5 or 6, it will not help. India have more all-round options for those slots. Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy… if all are fit and available, they will occupy the middle-order, being multi-skilled players. When Pant is injured, it will be Dhruv Jurel batting at No. 5 or 6,” a former national selector privy to the developments told PTI.
