Cricket enthusiasts are expressing disbelief and disappointment following the announcement of the India-A squad for the series against South Africa-A. Notably absent from the lineup is the prolific middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan, despite his consistent dominance in domestic cricket. This decision has ignited a significant debate among fans who believe Khan’s exclusion is unwarranted, especially given his impressive first-class record. While Rishabh Pant’s return after injury is a positive for the senior team, Sarfaraz’s omission remains a major talking point. Reports confirm that fitness is not the reason for Khan’s non-selection, as he has recovered from a quadriceps injury and is actively participating and scoring runs in the Ranji Trophy. Fans recall his impactful performances for India-A, including a match-saving innings against England-A, further fueling their confusion. The emergence of Rajat Patidar, who has been in phenomenal form with the bat, scoring heavily in the current domestic season, is seen as a potential reason for Khan’s exclusion. Selectors appear keen to give Patidar opportunities in the India-A setup. The squad also includes several players currently in the senior Test team, suggesting a focus on providing game time to those on the fringes. India’s strategy to groom all-rounders as successors to spinners like Ashwin and Jadeja might also be a contributing factor, with several spin-bowling all-rounders included. Despite the setback, Sarfaraz Khan, at 27, remains a formidable force in domestic cricket, and his journey towards national selection continues.
