Ashish Ranjan
Sarfaraz Khan, despite being one of the most consistent performers on the domestic circuit, has once again been left out of the Indian Test squad.
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was surprised that the 25-year-old wasn’t selected for another Test tour, given that Sarfaraz has been one of the most-talked-about players in recent years. The India legend has criticized the selectors, claiming that players who perform well in the Indian Premier League receive more opportunities in the Indian Test selection than those who perform well in the Ranji Trophy.
Notably, the Mumbai-born cricketer had an outstanding Ranji Trophy season in 2022-23, scoring 556 runs in six games at an average of 92.66. As a result, he was one of the leading candidates for a call-up, but the selectors chose Yashasvi Jaiswal instead. This infuriated Gavaskar, who launched a scathing attack and demanded that players cease playing Ranji Trophy.
Sarfaraz Khan has averaged 100 runs per season over the past three years. What must he do to be selected for the team? He may not be in the starting lineup, but you select him for the team. Inform him that his accomplishments are being recognized. If not, cease playing Ranji Trophy. Say, it’s useless, you just play IPL and believe you’re good enough for red-ball cricket, too,” Gavaskar said in an interview with India Today.
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Rahane was reappointed vice-captain for the West Indies series, while Pujara was dropped.
After a disappointing performance in the finals of the World Test Championship against Australia, Cheteshwar Pujara was not selected for the upcoming series against the West Indies. Notably, he was in great form in Division Two of the County Championship; therefore, he was expected to help India win its first ICC trophy in nearly a decade, but he was unable to do so.
On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane, who recently rejoined the team, has been given the vice-captaincy of India’s Test team. Jaiswal is anticipated to replace Pujara in the playing XI for the series against the West Indies.
