Rajkot Test: Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel Likely to Make India Debut, According to Reports

Sarfraz Khan and keeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel are set to make their debuts for India in the third Test against England in Rajkot. According to media reports, it has been learned that the batsmen will replace KL Rahul and KS Bharat respectively.

According to reports, KL Rahul will not play in the third Test against England. The batter will need one more week to regain his full fitness. After the first game, he suffered from quadriceps pain. Although he was named in the squad for the last three matches, his availability was subject to fitness.

With KL Rahul ruled out of the second match, Sarfraz Khan is all set to make his debut. A BCCI source told The Indian Express, “Sarfraz will make his debut. Sarfraz will play his first match as KL is out for this Test. This will be a dream moment for Sarfraz Khan as he has been working hard in the domestic circuit for some time now. The Mumbai batsman is known as a run machine in domestic cricket and has been a different animal in domestic cricket since 2019, averaging around 70 in FC Cricket.

Sarfaraz Khan was included in the Indian squad ahead of the second Test in Vizag. Batter replaced KL Rahul but did not play in the game. The team management preferred Rajat Patidar in the mix as he was included in the squad ahead of Sarfraz.

Apart from this, reports also claim that Dhruv Jurel will also make his debut. He will replace KS Bharath, who has failed to make an impact with the bat in the series. The Vizag keeper-batsman failed to score big in two matches and perished after a valiant start.

KS Bharath came under the radar due to his poor performances and it was only a matter of time before he was dropped from the team. It is fair to say that he was picked in the squad purely because of his keeping skills and India don't have many options in that department.

I will get emotional waiting for me to join the team - Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan recently spoke about his inclusion in the Indian team. He admitted that he will be emotional when he gets his cap as all his hard work will pay off.

“This game is about patience. If we want to play Test cricket, we have to be patient. In life, there are times when we rush ourselves. I will be getting excited waiting for me to join the team. My father always told me keep working hard and you will be unstoppable. It is very important to have confidence and patience,” he told bcci.tv on his Test call.