Sarfaraz Khan’s journey to the Indian Test team has been a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. After making his first-class debut in 2014, he amassed a staggering number of runs, yet the elusive dream of playing for India remained out of reach.
Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018, Sarfaraz was benched due to fitness concerns. However, he returned to Mumbai in 2019 and embarked on a remarkable run, scoring 928 runs in six matches at an average of 154.66. This performance earned him a recall to the Indian Test squad.
In the third Test against England in Rajkot, Sarfaraz made his debut at the expense of Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer. Despite the absence of Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz was not initially selected in the Test squad. However, with K.L. Rahul also out of commission, Sarfaraz was drafted into the side.
On his debut, Sarfaraz showcased his aggressive batting style, smashing 161 off just 160 deliveries. He played with a fearless mindset, unfazed by the pressure of playing in his first Test match. Sarfaraz’s innings helped India recover from a precarious position and set the stage for a memorable victory.
In the subsequent Tests, Sarfaraz continued to impress, scoring a half-century in the second innings of the Rajkot Test and a fierce 56 in the final Test in Dharamsala. He has now scored three half-centuries in his first five Test innings and averages an impressive 50.
India’s selection panel now faces a dilemma, as Sarfaraz’s performances have put him in contention for a regular spot in the middle order. With Kohli and Rahul returning to the team, there is only one middle-order slot up for grabs.
Sarfaraz’s main competition comes from Devdutt Padikkal, who made a promising debut in Dharamsala. However, Sarfaraz’s experience and proven ability to score runs in difficult situations make him a strong candidate for selection.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Sarfaraz remains focused on his goal of becoming a regular member of the Indian Test team. He knows that he has earned his spurs, and he is determined to continue making the most of every opportunity he gets.
