In a stunning outburst that has set the cricket world abuzz, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his vehement disappointment over the continued exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan from the Test squad. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has once again overlooked the Mumbai batsman despite his extraordinary domestic performances.
'If I Were Selector...': Ashwin's Blunt Take
Ashwin didn't mince words when he stated, "Had I been the selector, I would have picked Sarfaraz Khan without a second thought." The comment came during a candid discussion about the recently announced squad for the first two Tests against England, where Sarfaraz's name was conspicuously absent.
The Numbers That Speak Volumes
Sarfaraz's statistics in first-class cricket make for compelling reading:
- Average hovering around 70 in domestic cricket
- Consistent triple-figure scores in Ranji Trophy
- Proven track record across multiple seasons
"When someone is averaging 70 in domestic cricket for three consecutive seasons, what more should he do to get selected?" Ashwin questioned, highlighting the apparent disconnect between domestic performance and national selection.
Fitness Concerns or Selection Bias?
The selection committee, spearheaded by former pacer Ajit Agarkar, has consistently preferred other middle-order options despite Sarfaraz's mountain of runs. While fitness has been cited as a concern in some quarters, Ashwin's strong reaction suggests there might be more to the story.
Ashwin's frustration reflects a growing sentiment among cricket enthusiasts who have been tracking Sarfaraz's domestic dominance. The Mumbai batter has been knocking on the selection doors with performances that are hard to ignore, yet the breakthrough continues to elude him.
A Pattern of Omission
This isn't the first time Sarfaraz has been overlooked despite stellar performances. The pattern has become increasingly frustrating for his supporters and former players who believe in rewarding consistent domestic excellence.
The controversy raises important questions about selection criteria and whether domestic performances are being given adequate weightage in the decision-making process.
