Sarfaraz Khan, who last represented India against New Zealand last year, was notably absent from the 15-member squad announced by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2.
The Indian team will face the West Indies in two Tests—the first at Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2, followed by the second at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10.
Led by Shubman Gill, the Indian squad has named Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain, with Rishabh Pant missing out due to a toe fracture. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan retain their places from the recent England series, while Karun Nair has been dropped after scoring just 205 runs in eight innings on the England tour.
Sarfaraz Khan: Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed during the Australia tour and in India A matches, has earned a spot in the middle order. Dhruv Jurel and N. Jagadeesan are the designated wicket-keepers, with Nitish Kumar Reddy included as the pace-bowling all-rounder.
The pace attack comprises Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Jasprit Bumrah, while Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel form the spin department.
Sarfaraz Khan Proves His Fitness Despite Injury Claims by Ajit Agarkar
Sarfaraz Khan, who has impressed in the past with India, was conspicuously absent from the national squad. The talented batsman made his Test debut against England in 2024, scoring twin fifties, and later registered a brilliant 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Despite featuring for India A during the England tour, he didn’t make it to the main Indian squad.
Earlier, Sarfaraz Khan had sustained an injury while representing Mumbai in the Buchi Babu tournament. When asked about his absence, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar simply stated, “He is injured.”
In response, Sarfaraz Khan shared a video of himself undergoing rigorous fitness tests, including what appeared to be the new Bronco test, clearly demonstrating his fitness and challenging Agarkar’s claim.
