In the world of Indian cricket, Sarfaraz Khan is one such name who continues to make headlines. Whether getting dropped from the Indian Test team or his continuous pursuit of big runs in the domestic circuit, Sarfaraz is a name who continues to remain one of the talking points in Indian cricket. The Mumbai batter has consistently delivered performances that demand attention, yet he has often found himself on the fringes of the national team, particularly in Test cricket. Having played six Tests and scored 371 runs with one century and three half-centuries, Sarfaraz’s top-flight career so far has been pretty decent. He earned his debut against England in early 2024 after years of dominating domestic circuits.
However, his journey has been marked by challenges. Despite his proven track record, he did not play a single game in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Subsequently, under the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel, he was overlooked for the England tour in 2025 and the home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa. The latter series ended in a 2-0 clean sweep for the Proteas, where Indian batters struggled significantly against off-spinner Simon Harmer, exposing vulnerabilities on turning tracks.
Criticism regarding his fitness prompted a remarkable response from Sarfaraz. He dedicated himself to a rigorous regimen during close season, losing 17 kilos in just two months through disciplined nutrition, focusing on grilled proteins, salads, and green coffee, and intense training sessions. The transformation turned him into a sharper, fitter athlete, ready to address any doubts about his fielding or stamina.
Far from complaining publicly, Sarfaraz has chosen to respond through his performances. He has spent countless hours at the nets, refining his technique and piling up runs across formats for Mumbai and India A (where he no longer finds himself in the scheme of things), and in other domestic tournaments. His approach has been one of quiet determination, letting his bat do the talking.
His white-ball exploits have been particularly eye-catching. In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he amassed 329 runs in seven matches, including a century, and at a strike-rate exceeding 203. The explosive form has continued to the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has started sensationally. In just three innings, he has scored 220 runs, with a standout 157 off 75 balls against Goa, a knock featuring nine fours and 14 sixes. He reached his century in a mere 56 balls, showcasing devastating power-hitting that propelled Mumbai to a massive total.
After going unsold in successive IPL auctions, Sarfaraz finally secured a contract with Chennai Super Kings for Rs 75 lakh ahead of the 2026 season, a reward for his domestic dominance and renewed fitness.
As India look forward to a two-Test series against Sri Lanka later in 2026, questions linger about the selection policy. With the team’s middle-order vulnerabilities highlighted in the recent defeat against South Africa, Sarfaraz’s red-ball pedigree and improved all-round game make a strong case for his inclusion let alone his strong game against spin.
Regardless of the selectors’ decisions, though, Sarfaraz remains focused on what he controls best: scoring runs prolifically and proving his worth through sheer performance. In an era of social media antics, his silent grind stands out as a testament to true resilience. Will the selectors take note this time? The cricketing world is watching.
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— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 1, 2026
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