Sarfaraz Khan Shines in Intra-Squad Match, Boosting Selection Hopes
Sarfaraz Khan's Remarkable Performance
The exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan from the initial Test squad sparked significant debate, but the 27-year-old responded with a powerful performance. Before scoring a century in the intra-squad match, he had already impressed with a solid 92 in the unofficial Test against the England Lions in Canterbury, making a compelling case for his inclusion.
Impressive Test Record
So far, Sarfaraz has participated in six Test matches for India, accumulating 371 runs at an average of 37.10. His standout performance came last year when he scored an unbeaten 150 in the second innings of a Test against New Zealand. However, inconsistent performances in subsequent series, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, limited his opportunities.
Dedication and Training
Sarfaraz's recent success can be attributed to his intense training regimen over the past few months. Reports indicate that he shed 10 kilograms and focused on honing his skills against swing bowling, specifically tailored for English conditions. Despite his hard work, he was not selected for the team set to play from June 20.
Bowling Concerns for India
While Sarfaraz excelled with the bat, the performance of India's bowling unit, particularly the senior pacers, raised concerns. Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless, conceding runs at five per over, while Mohammed Siraj took two wickets but had an economy rate exceeding seven. Prasidh Krishna also contributed with two wickets, and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one, dismissing opener Abhimanyu Easwaran for 39.
Contributions from India A
Other notable performances for India A included Sai Sudharsan, who scored a steady 38 off 60 balls, and wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan, who added 45 runs from 55 balls. At the end of Day 2, India A was at 299 for 6, trailing the senior team by 160 runs.
Strong Start for India
On Day 1, India’s batting was led by skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, both of whom scored half-centuries, establishing a solid foundation for the team. Although the intra-squad match was closed to the public, it serves as crucial practice and a chance to assess form ahead of the upcoming England series.