Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed disappointment over the non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan in India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Australia. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined that Sarfaraz might feel cheated, as he believes that the stocky batter should have been picked ahead of fellow Mumbaikar Suryakumar Yadav.
Chopra pointed out that Sarfaraz’s first-class average is 80, which is only matched by cricketing legend Don Bradman. He argued that the 25-year-old should have been rewarded for his exceptional domestic performances and that if Suryakumar can get picked based on his recent T20I performances, then why not Sarfaraz based on his recent first-class performances in domestic games?
Sarfaraz Khan's batting numbers for Mumbai in First-Class cricket are absolutely absurd!
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) January 13, 2023
Should he be a part of India's squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia?#SarfarazKhan #India #INDvsAUS #Cricket #Tests pic.twitter.com/4hdf6JjMAc
Sarfaraz has amassed 3380 runs at a stupendous average of 80.47 in 36 first-class games. The middle-order batter, who has an unbeaten 301 as his highest score, has hit 12 first-class centuries and has been in his prolific prime for the last few years.
Sarfaraz Khan in Ranji trophy since 2019:
— Aniket Anjan
71*, 36, 301*, 226*, 25, 78, 177, 6, 275, 63, 48, 165, 153, 40, 59*, 134, 45, 5, 126*, 75, 20, 162
•Innings – 22
•Runs – 2289
•Average – 134.64
•100s/50s – 9/5
•200s/300s – 3/1 pic.twitter.com/8Xi87El6B0(@AnjanAniket) January 13, 2023
Aakash Chopra believes that Sarfaraz’s non-selection is a missed opportunity for the Indian team, and hopes that he will be given a chance in the future.
