Team India are all set to kick off the upcoming five-match Test series against England on 20 June. But when the squad was announced, it drew strong reactions due to the absence of Sarfaraz Khan. His omission has left fans and experts shocked, especially after his impressive performances in India colours.
Sarfaraz made his debut last year in a home series against England, where he scored half-centuries in both innings of the first Test. He then followed it up with a brilliant 150 against New Zealand at home, at a time when the rest of the Indian batting order had crumbled. Despite his fighting century, India suffered a humiliating 0–3 whitewash at home against the Kiwis.
Later, Sarfaraz was included in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad but didn’t get a chance to be part of the playing XI. Now, the selectors have chosen to back other names like Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair over him for the England Tests.
“Don’t be disheartened, you will get your due” – Harbhajan to Sarfaraz
Reacting to his omission, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his disappointment while speaking to PTI. He said, “It’s very unfortunate… I was a bit shocked not seeing his name in the squad. I’m sure he will come back strong. He has got that will to make a comeback…All I can say is, don’t be disheartened, you will get your due, if not today, then tomorrow…Look at Karun Nair,” he said.
He further added, “He scored 300 runs against England and then never got too many opportunities. Now he is back in England with the team.”
Meanwhile, the England series will mark a new era for Indian cricket. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away as well, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain.
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