Sarfaraz Khan has once again found himself at the center of a heated cricketing debate—but this time, he’s got a powerful ally in his corner. Mumbai captain and India pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has come out strongly in support of the young batter, asserting that Sarfaraz doesn’t need India A cricket to prove his worth for the national Test side.
Why Shardul Thakur Backs Sarfaraz Unconditionally
Speaking candidly about the recent snub that saw Sarfaraz Khan left out of the India A squad for the South Africa A series, Thakur dismissed the notion that India A exposure is a prerequisite for national selection. “It isn’t important for him!” Thakur declared, emphasizing that Sarfaraz’s domestic record speaks volumes on its own .
Thakur pointed to Sarfaraz’s consistent ability to deliver under pressure in the Ranji Trophy—a tournament where the young batter has amassed over 3,500 runs at a staggering average above 70. “When the team needs runs, he steps up. That’s the mark of a true Test cricketer,” Thakur added .
Sarfaraz Khan’s Domestic Dominance: A Stat That Can’t Be Ignored
Let’s break down why Thakur’s confidence isn’t misplaced:
| Season | Runs | Average | Hundreds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–15 | 494 | 123.50 | 2 |
| 2022–23 | 719 | 119.83 | 3 |
| 2023–24 | 831 | 83.10 | 3 |
| Total (Ranji) | 3,598 | 71.96 | 12 |
These aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to Sarfaraz’s resilience and class in the longest format, precisely the qualities India seeks in its Test middle order.
The India A Debate: Is It Still Relevant?
Historically, India A tours have served as a bridge between domestic cricket and international duty. But Thakur argues that in Sarfaraz’s case, the bridge is unnecessary. “He’s already played Test cricket. He knows what it takes. What he needs is trust—and a chance to bat at No. 5 or 6 without constantly being asked to prove himself again,” he noted .
This stance challenges the traditional selection pathway and raises a broader question: should consistent domestic performers be fast-tracked based on merit alone?
What’s Next for Sarfaraz Khan?
Despite earning Test caps against England in 2024, Sarfaraz remains on the fringes of the squad. With India’s upcoming Test series against Australia and South Africa on the horizon, selectors face mounting pressure to either give him a sustained run—or explain why such a prolific run-scorer continues to be overlooked.
Thakur’s public endorsement adds weight to the growing chorus of voices—including legends like Sunil Gavaskar—who believe Sarfaraz deserves more than just token appearances .
Conclusion: Trust Over Trials
In a system often criticized for inconsistency, Shardul Thakur’s message is clear: Sarfaraz Khan has done more than enough. Whether the selectors listen remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the cricketing world is watching.