New Delhi: Sarfaraz Khan has been handed another opportunity to revive his Test career after being recalled to India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
The middle order batter last played for India in 2024 and was subsequently left out of the national setup for around 18 months. He was part of the squad during India’s 2024 25 tour of Australia but did not get a chance to play before eventually losing his place in the team.
Sarfaraz has now returned as a replacement for the injured B Sai Sudharsan, giving him an opportunity to restart his international career under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has urged Sarfaraz to put the uncertainty surrounding his previous omission behind him and concentrate on contributing to the team. Kaif welcomed the decision to bring the batter back, particularly because of Sarfaraz’s ability to handle spin, which could prove valuable in Sri Lankan conditions.
Kaif said the important thing now is for everyone involved to focus on India’s success rather than allowing past decisions or speculation to affect the team.
Sarfaraz’s prolonged omission had led to considerable debate among fans and cricket experts. His inconsistent opportunities, followed by his absence from selection discussions and India A squads, fuelled speculation about why he was not being considered.
Kaif pointed out that Sarfaraz’s exclusion could not simply be attributed to a lack of runs. The batter had made an impressive start to his Test career, including a century plus score against New Zealand and a strong performance during his debut series against England.
The former India batter believes the reasons behind Sarfaraz’s earlier absence should now be left aside. With his return confirmed, the focus should be on helping him settle back into the squad and ensuring he contributes when given the opportunity.
For Sarfaraz, the Sri Lanka series represents a chance to move beyond a difficult period and establish himself once again in India’s Test plans.
