The recent non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan for the Indian cricket team’s West Indies tour sparked considerable controversy. The decision drew criticism from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, given Sarfaraz’s impressive statistics. However, according to BCCI sources, the player’s fitness level and alleged off-field conduct contributed significantly to this decision.
In the past three Ranji seasons, Sarfaraz has showcased his cricketing prowess. The Mumbai batter amassed 2566 runs, including 928 runs in the 2019/20 season, 982 in 2021/22, and 656 in 2022/23. His compelling performance in these seasons raises questions about his omission from the team.
At just 25 years old, Sarfaraz boasts an impressive career average of 79.65 after 37 red ball games. This figure makes the decision to bypass him even more perplexing, especially considering his replacement. Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite a respectable career average of 42-plus, falls considerably short of Sarfaraz’s record.
However, cricket isn’t just about batting averages and run tallies. A BCCI official, requesting anonymity, provided some insight into Sarfaraz’s non-selection. According to this source, factors beyond cricketing skills influenced the decision. Sarfaraz’s fitness level, described as “not exactly of international standard,” is one such factor. His physical readiness is just as crucial as his batting prowess for a spot on the team.
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Sarfaraz Khan has not found his place in the India squad for the West Indies tour
Further, the official highlighted some concerns regarding Sarfaraz’s behavior. The player’s off-field conduct and demeanor reportedly did not meet the standards expected of an international player. The official cited some incidents and gestures made by Sarfaraz that were flagged. Sarfaraz’s celebratory behavior after scoring a century against Delhi in a Ranji game was one such incident that didn’t go down well.
However, the BCCI official was not entirely dismissive of Sarfaraz’s chances. Emphasizing the need for discipline, the official hoped that Sarfaraz and his father and coach, Naushad Khan, would work on these critical aspects. Improving his fitness and adopting a disciplined approach on and off the field would significantly enhance Sarfaraz’s prospects.
Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection for the West Indies tour has stirred a cricketing debate. His impressive performance at domestic levels undoubtedly highlights his cricketing talent. However, the factors influencing team selection extend beyond on-field performance. Fitness and discipline are integral to the making of an international cricketer, aspects that Sarfaraz needs to focus on to realize his potential fully. His journey is a reminder to aspiring cricketers that talent needs to be coupled with discipline, fitness, and impeccable conduct to earn a place in the international arena.
Meanwhile this guy was the captain of the Indian Team once and is still seen doing such aggressive gestures towards the opponents.
AdvertisementWill they drop him?? He's not even performing either.
BCCI and its hypocrisy never fails to amaze me.Different rules for different players 🫡 https://t.co/yzFiSkmNy8 pic.twitter.com/xuUA1KUxnN
— ³¹ (@RutuEra) June 25, 2023
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"We are not here to satisfy your egos"
Next time he comes to watch your game smash one ball on his face sarfaraz. https://t.co/Wh1GqXWLiu pic.twitter.com/V2RKanXTpp— Shreyash #Aava de (@inaminatikaa) June 25, 2023
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As usual the bloated egos of the selectors will trump the stellar performances by a cricketer.
Ben Stokes.Want cricketers to be aggressive but dare they show aggression. That joker Chetan Sharma sitting as chief selector for one more day is an absolute disgrace https://t.co/xoc7qDrs3R
Advertisement— औरंगज़ेब 🇮🇳 (@__phoenix_fire_) June 25, 2023
Was Chetan Sharma in the stands that day ? If am not wrong Sarfaraz Khan was pointing towards Amol Mazumdar, who was doing a hats-off to him right ? https://t.co/eBM4SvenF2
Advertisement— Minnie Sharma (@serialchiller23) June 25, 2023
if that's the reason then Chetan Sharma should be sacked immediately…selectors biasness is literally taking piss over players performance…now way BCCI can openly admit it as well and get away with it… someone need to interfere https://t.co/JLjmbFJCN5
Advertisement— Shivam (@ShivamKPy) June 25, 2023
The boy is asking the right question that too with his bat. You @BCCI didn’t have answer to that. And guess who got offended? Chetan Sharma !! That guy himself is such an offender. Something is seriously wrong within #BCCI https://t.co/jOCLESIGsa
Advertisement— Debraj S Choudhury (@dschoudhury) June 25, 2023
So looks like sarfaraz has hurt someone's ego and now they are creating all these media articles through their paid journalists to make him look bad…
AdvertisementSeriously need this guy out of the system he is playing with careers of young guys https://t.co/ZdJtvVgJ2P
— Shikhar (@itsmeshikhar11) June 25, 2023
The BCCI are like overlords. Egotistical dispensers of privilege in one of those rare fields of human endeavour in which merit is an indisputable thing. https://t.co/RxBqnQm3yR
— Nikhil Mehra (@TweetinderKaul) June 25, 2023
