The mystery surrounding Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection in the Indian Test team deepens as a new report dismisses claims of indiscipline and lack of fitness. Previously, it was suggested that Sarfaraz’s exclusion was due to non-cricketing reasons, specifically fitness and disciplinary concerns. However, the Mumbai cricket community has denied these allegations.
A BCCI official had mentioned that Sarfaraz was overlooked for “non-cricketing” reasons, leading to speculation about his fitness and discipline. But a source close to the cricketer says these claims are misconstrued.
Addressing the allegation of Sarfaraz indirectly criticizing a selector through his celebration after scoring a hundred, the source clarifies that the celebration was meant for his teammates and coach Amol Muzumdar. The selector present was Salil Ankola, not Chetan Sharma. Sarfaraz’s celebration expressed relief after helping the team out of a pressure situation.
Refuting the claim that Madhya Pradesh coach Chandrakant Pandit expressed dissatisfaction with Sarfaraz’s attitude, the source emphasizes that Pandit treats him like a son. Pandit has always praised Sarfaraz and has known him since he was 14 years old. The source asserts that Pandit would never be angry with Sarfaraz.
Former Indian cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, have criticized the BCCI selection committee for ignoring Sarfaraz’s exceptional performances in domestic cricket.