Indian middle order batsman Sarfaraz Khan is likely to be released from India’s test squad for the upcoming second and last match of the 2-match test series against Bangladesh.
The 26-year-old right-handed batsman marked his impressive debut in test cricket against England by scoring back-to-back half-centuries on 15th February 2024 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) stadium in Rajkot. Despite gaining recognition, he wasn’t included in the playing XI for the first test and would be excluded from the Kanpur test against Bangladesh starting on September 27.
On Tuesday (September 24), the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced that along with Sarfaraz, the wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel and pace bowler Yash Dayal will be released from the Indian team’s 16-member test squad. This decision comes ahead of the Irani Cup 2024 which is scheduled between October 1 and October 5 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The 61st edition of the Irani Cup features a one-off test match between Mumbai— the winners of the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy led by Ajinkya Rahane and the Rest of India (ROI) cricket team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Also, the BCCI confirmed Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal’s inclusion in the ROI squad, while Sarfaraz Khan is placed in Mumbai’s squad.
Why did BCCI release Sarfaraz Khan from India’s Squad ahead of 2nd test vs Bangladesh?
The fact here to be noted is that the Irani Cup 2024 commences on the fifth day of the India vs Bangladesh 2nd test match and BCCI takes into consideration the workload management of the players. However, the two games are scheduled in the same state, but in different venues (Kanpur and Lucknow), and traveling from one city to another wouldn’t be a challenge for players.
Even if Sarfaraz is included in India’s playing XI and the test match against Bangladesh concludes on the fourth day, he would have only a day left for traveling and preparation, which could affect his performance in the next tournament.
BCCI’s Latest statement about releasing Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Yash Dayal
In a recent statement, BCCI confirmed that Sarfaraz, Dhruv, and Yash would be released from the squad if they aren’t included in Team India’s playing XI for the next test match against Bangladesh:
“ Yes, it’s true! Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal have been included in the Rest of India squad and their participation would be confirmed in the Irani Cup if they are benched in the second test match against Bangladesh. As the 2nd test will commence on September 27 in Kanpur, Sarfaraz Khan who has been retained in the Indian team’s squad for the upcoming 2nd test match, will be released to ensure his participation for the Mumbai team. However, his involvement in the tournament depends on whether he could be a part of the playing XI or not against the Bangladesh test,” the BCCI statement clarified.
One of the close sources to BCCI added a few more facts about Sarfaraz’s participation in Irani Cup 2024:
“See! Sarfaraz Khan is the only middle-order specialist batsman in the Indian squad. Whereas, Dhruv Jurel is a wicketkeeper-batsman and Axar Patel is a bowling all-rounder. But, what if there could be any requirement for a substitute? As the Irani Cup begins on October 1, it wouldn’t be a big issue traveling from Kanpur to Lucknow on September 30, if India’s second test match concludes early possibly.
Moreover, the Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar wants Sarfaraz to play in the Irani Cup unless any of the core batsmen in the Indian team faces last-minute injuries in nets or fitness-related issues. As it takes an hour to travel from Kanpur to Lucknow, there is a chance that Sarfaraz can leave for Lucknow even if the Kanpur test has already commenced,” the BCCI source stated.
KL Rahul was preferred over Sarfaraz Khan in India’s 1st Test vs Bangladesh
Since his test debut against England in 2024, Sarfaraz Khan scored 3 half-centuries in 5 innings at an average of 50.0 and strike rate of 79.37, which includes his best score of 68 runs. Despite KL Rahul missing a few matches in the home test series against England due to injury, the management gave preference to his experience rather than form.
But, Rahul didn’t make use of his opportunity as he managed to score just 38 runs (16 and *22 runs) in two innings. However, it is expected that the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir would still give another chance to KL Rahul to prove his abilities by including him in the playing XI rather than Sarfaraz Khan.
Sarfaraz Khan’s inclusion in Mumbai Squad: A Boon or Bane?
The Mumbai squad’s batting lineup will be strengthened if Sarfaraz Khan is released from the national team. He scored 4,183 runs in first-class cricket which includes numerous outstanding performances. Batting in the middle order, this proves how he could be a game-changer for Mumbai. Also, his presence will be supportive of experienced players such as Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, and Prithvi Shaw. Sarfaraz’s consistency and experience in domestic cricket would boost Mumbai’s previous success in the Ranji Trophy. Particularly, while facing a strong team such as the Rest of India in a high-profile tournament, Sarfaraz’s ability to play quick-fire knocks in red-ball format will be completely invaluable for his team
