Ashish Ranjan
One of the most consistent performers in first-class cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has been consistently overlooked for national selection. In mid-July, he was omitted from India’s Test selection for a two-match away series against the West Indies. Notably, many supporters and cricket experts criticized the selectors for excluding the young player, citing his domestic performances.
Recently, a BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) official revealed that fitness and disciplinary issues are the reason for his continued exclusion from the national team. However, members of the Mumbai cricket community indicated that these claims were false.
Last season, after scoring a crucial century in a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi, Sarfaraz pointed toward the dressing room, which was interpreted as a dig at one of the Team India selectors viewing the game. Reportedly, he intended his celebration for his comrades and coach Amol Mujujudar. According to the report, the batter reduced the team’s anxiety, and the celebration was one of relief.
“Sarfaraz’s jubilation during a Ranji match in Delhi was directed towards his teammates and coach Amol Mujumdar, who had removed his cap. Salil Ankola was present as the selector, not Chetan Sharma. NDTV quoted a Mumbai cricket source as saying that the celebration was one of relief after Sarfaraz rescued the team from a precarious situation.
The report also questioned whether it is inappropriate to celebrate someone who is pointing towards their own dressing room.”Is it even wrong to be jubilant in your celebration, especially when you’re pointing to your own dressing room?” asked the source.
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In addition, there was an incident that left Madhya Pradesh instructor Chandrakant Pandit dissatisfied with Sarfaraz’s behavior; however, according to the source, Pandit has always been cordial with him. He continued by saying that Pandit regards the young batter as if he were his own son and would never be angry with him.
“Chandu sir treats him as if he were a son. He has always spoken highly of him and has known him since he was 14 years old. He would never be furious with Sarfaraz, according to the source.
