Overview:
After posting a composed 55 against Uttarakhand in Jaipur on December 26, Sarfaraz exploded against Goa, taking the bowlers to task.
Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar believes Sarfaraz Khan has the talent to feature in all three formats for India, criticising his ongoing absence from the national team. Sarfaraz has been exceptional in the current domestic season, dominating both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His latest achievement, a rapid 56-ball century against Goa with nine fours and 14 sixes, showcases his explosive capabilities.
Sarfaraz Khan’s remarkable knock of 157 off 75 balls propelled Mumbai to a dominant total of 444/8 in their 50 overs. Vengsarkar, reflecting on the innings, voiced his frustration, questioning why Sarfaraz is being overlooked by the Indian selectors despite his constant run-making ability.
“It really puzzles me why he’s not selected for any format, especially when he has consistently performed well, even when given a chance in the Indian team. I remember watching him and (Devdutt) Padikkal bat together against England in Dharamshala during a crucial session. They played brilliantly, building a vital partnership that played a key role in India’s Test victory,” Vengsarkar shared with The Times of India.
He further expressed his disappointment at how Sarfaraz’s exceptional talent is being overlooked by the selectors
“After the home series against England, he never got another chance to play a Test. He was part of the squad for the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, but never got an opportunity to feature, which is truly baffling. He’s more than capable of playing in all formats. It’s a real shame that such a talented player has been overlooked and neglected,” Vengsarkar added.
After failing to attract bids in two successive IPL auctions, Sarfaraz Khan landed a Rs 75 lakh contract with Chennai Super Kings for the 2026 season. His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was remarkable, accumulating 329 runs in seven matches, including a century, and maintaining a blistering strike rate of 203.08.
After posting a composed 55 against Uttarakhand in Jaipur on December 26, Sarfaraz exploded against Goa, taking the bowlers to task. The upcoming stretch in the domestic season and IPL will be pivotal for Sarfaraz as he seeks to re-enter the Indian squad.