Sarfaraz Khan has never been a stranger to fighting his way back. The 27-year-old Mumbai batter, known for his grit and consistency, made his Test debut for India in 2024 and scored a memorable century against New Zealand in Bengaluru. With an astonishing first-class average of over 65, he has long been considered one of India’s most reliable red-ball performers. Yet, when the selectors announced the India A squad for the upcoming four-day matches against South Africa A, his name was missing, a decision that has left many cricket fans and former players puzzled.
For a player who has built his reputation on hard work and weight of runs, the exclusion felt like a setback. Many questioned the logic behind ignoring a batter with such a dominant domestic record. However, amidst the confusion and disappointment, Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur has come forward in support of his teammate, expressing full confidence that Sarfaraz’s performances will once again speak louder than any selection decision.
Speaking ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai, Shardul said that Sarfaraz doesn’t necessarily need to play for India A to earn a return to the national side. According to him, the selectors often use India A matches to groom emerging players but Sarfaraz Khan has already proven himself at the highest level. Shardul stressed that if Sarfaraz resumes scoring heavily in domestic cricket, he could walk straight into the Indian Test team again.
The Mumbai skipper also shed light on Sarfaraz’s recent form and fitness. After an injury break, the batter returned to action with a solid 40 against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy before being run out. Shardul reminded everyone that before his injury, Sarfaraz had scored multiple centuries in the Buchi Babu Trophy, showing that his hunger for runs hadn’t dimmed.
He spoke warmly about Sarfaraz’s character and contribution to the Mumbai side, calling him a “senior pro” who consistently delivers when the team needs him the most. Shardul pointed out that many of Sarfaraz’s biggest knocks, double centuries and more, have come when Mumbai were in trouble early in the innings. He further said that playing such innings under pressure required a rare kind of mental strength and class.
Shardul Thakur adds that Sarfaraz is one of those few players who never disappoint, regardless of the batting position or match situation. His record over the years, filled with big scores and match-saving partnerships, stands as proof of his unwavering dedication and resilience.
As Mumbai aim to build on their strong start to the season, Shardul’s faith in Sarfaraz mirrors what many in Indian cricket believe that true talent doesn’t need a stepping stone to prove itself. For Sarfaraz Khan, the path back to India’s Test squad may not run through the India A team but through the same place where his story began — the grind of domestic cricket, the roar of the Wankhede and the belief that runs are the best form of reply.
