IND vs AUS: Sarfaraz Khan is now synonymous with the word ‘consistency’ if talking about domestic red-ball cricket. The Mumbai batter who has made the habit of reaching the triple-figure mark in every inning or two is banging the door for national selection for quite some time. But with the recent injuries to India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, the chances of Khan’s selection in the Indian team for the Border Gavaskar Trophy series have risen quite exponentially. And if the 25-year-old gets selected, he will definitely thank his childhood friend SuryaKumar Yadav who gave the youngster valuable advice in his time of need. Follow India vs Australia LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
IND vs AUS: Sarfaraz Khan POISED to replace Rishabh Pant in Border Gavaskar Series, as Mumbai batter propels to another Ranji century after SuryaKumar Yadav’s advice – CHECK Out
Sarfaraz Khan received a text message from his childhood friend Suryakumar Yadav after learning that his name was not included in the India Test squad for the recent tour of Bangladesh. It was only four words long: “Aur lamba maarte reh” (Keep playing BIG knocks).
Yadav has long understood what it means to be so near yet so far from receiving that elusive India call-up before each national selection committee meeting. That’s why he did not offer Sarfaraz a shoulder to cry on; instead, he gave his friend sage counsel.
Khan has kept up his streak of scoring long runs in red-ball cricket over the past three domestic seasons. Sarfaraz has smashed 388 runs in five innings so far this season after amassing 928 and 982 runs in the 2019–20 and 2021–22 Ranji seasons, respectively. The selectors have always assured him that he is on their radar and that his moment will come.
Is Sarfaraz Khan poised for India vs Australia Test series?
But after the fatal car crash of Rishabh Pant, Khan’s chances have increased dramatically to play in India vs Australia series. Pant is probably going to be out for a long time, which might free up a few spots in the Indian starting lineup.
The Mumbai batter backed his claim with another Ranji Trophy century on Wednesday (January 4). Sarfaraz just can’t stop scoring runs, he started the new season with a century against Hyderabad in the second game and bettered it up with another daddy hundred against Tamil Nadu. In 50 innings, Sarfaraz has already scored 12 first-class hundreds.
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Mumbai took a massive first-innings lead of 337 against Tamil Nadu on day two because of Sarfaraz’s 162 off 220 deliveries, extending their innings to 481 after being reduced to 161/6 on day one. With this season’s Ranji scores of 5, 126 not out, 75, 20, and 162, it is certain that Sarfaraz will keep pounding on the doors of the national selectors.
IND vs AUS: Sarfaraz Khan POISED to replace Rishabh Pant in Border Gavaskar Series, as Mumbai batter propels to another Ranji century after SuryaKumar Yadav’s advice – CHECK Out
Editors pick
