The spectacular white-ball form of Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has forcefully reopened the contentious discussion about his continued omission from the Indian national team. This comes despite a mountain of runs and consistent performances in domestic cricket over several seasons.
A Run-Machine Transforming Perceptions
For years, Sarfaraz Khan has been labeled a domestic 'run-machine' in first-class cricket, with an astounding average of 63.15 from 4,863 runs and 16 centuries in 60 matches. However, the 28-year-old is now shattering the perception that he excels only in whites. In a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Goa on Wednesday, Sarfaraz played a breathtaking innings of 157 runs from just 75 deliveries. His knock, studded with 9 fours and 14 sixes, powered Mumbai to a total of 444 and an 87-run victory.
This white-ball resurgence began during the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he amassed 329 runs in seven matches at a staggering strike-rate of 203.08. His performances included a 47-ball century against Assam, a 22-ball 73 against Rajasthan, and a record-breaking 15-ball fifty for Mumbai in the tournament.
Experts Lash Out at Selectors, Hail 'Match-Winner'
Former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar expressed strong dismay at Sarfaraz's continued exclusion. "It's really baffling for me that why he's not picked in any format for India," Vengsarkar told TOI. He highlighted Sarfaraz's crucial 56-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal in the Dharamshala Test against England in early 2024, which helped India win.
Vengsarkar lamented that Sarfaraz was ignored after that series and even during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. "Such a talent has been ignored and neglected. It's a real shame!" he stated. He praised Sarfaraz's mental strength and ability to adapt, calling him a "match-winner" whose brilliant knock against Goa single-handedly paved the way for Mumbai's win after a top-order collapse.
Echoing the sentiment, former India selector Salil Ankola noted that Sarfaraz has convincingly disproved the notion that he can't play white-ball cricket. "It was a fabulous knock. I hope that his form continues," Ankola said.
Ashwin's CSK Endorsement and Ground View
India's spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media to champion Sarfaraz's cause, suggesting Chennai Super Kings should slot him into their Playing XII for IPL 2026. CSK had acquired Sarfaraz for his base price of Rs 75 lakh in the auction. Ashwin remarked that Sarfaraz is "not knocking down, but breaking open" the doors for national selection and that CSK should ride his purple patch.
Rohit Jalani, a former Rajasthan wicketkeeper who witnessed the Jaipur blitz firsthand, was left in awe. He emphasized that Sarfaraz should not be pigeonholed as just a red-ball player. "The selectors must take note... You can't judge him without giving him a chance," Jalani argued, drawing a parallel with Ishan Kishan's selection based on domestic form. He also praised Sarfaraz's improved fitness, evident in his ability to score a big hundred.
Sarfaraz's father and coach, Naushad Khan, expressed delight at his son's current zone, stating he is "fit both mentally and physically" and hoping the performances continue.
With six Tests to his name, where he scored 371 runs including a highest score of 150, Sarfaraz Khan has proven his caliber at the highest level. His current explosive form in limited-overs cricket now presents an undeniable case, putting the national selection committee under intense scrutiny.
