Sarfaraz Khan has been outstanding over the last three Ranji Trophy seasons, but despite his outstanding batting, he has not been selected for the Indian Test team. His omission from India's West Indies tour caused criticism among cricketers who criticised the selectors' choice. To the player and all the detractors, Sarfaraz's performance in the ongoing Duleep Trophy seems to be serving as justification for the selectors.
Having scored 2566 runs since 2019, Sarfaraz has been in tremendous form in the last three Ranji seasons. While youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan all earned their Test call-ups for the two-match series against the West Indies, the 25-year-old was once again snubbed. Former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar criticised the selection panel's decision, while Sarfaraz posted a cryptic Instagram story highlighting his Ranji performances.
However, everyone expected him to continue his rich form in the domestic circuit, but things have been the opposite for Sarfaraz. The West Zone batter has failed to respond with his bat to those who overlooked him. In the last three innings, the middle-order batter was able to score just six runs and registered two ducks.
After losing to batters for cheap runs in the semi-final against C Zone, Sarfaraz came out to bat with the intention of building a solid partnership. But he was out for a 12-ball duck against Shivam Mavi. The second innings also did not go well for him as he managed just six runs off 30 balls. However, West Zone entered the final after the first semi-final ended in a draw, which is currently underway.
His form justifying selector's statement: Fans on social media react after Sarfaraz's performance in Duleep Trophy final
Batting first, South Zone scored 213 runs in the first innings, with skipper Hanuma Vihari (63 off 130) being the top-scorer. In reply, West Zone are in trouble, as they were at 129 with 7 wickets down at the close of Day 2 on Thursday. Opener Prithvi Shah made 65 but none of the other batters put up any resistance and Sarfaraz was again disappointed.
The Mumbai batter registered another duck in the tournament this time in a summit clash. Vidhwath Kaverappa trapped him in front of the stumps at a time when his side desperately needed someone to step up. With such poor scores registered, fans on social media are thinking that Sarfaraz will not make his Indian debut anytime soon and the selectors were right.
Here's how fans reacted to Sarfaraz Khan's poor show in the ongoing Duleep Trophy:
His form justifying Selector's statement.
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) July 13, 2023
Accha khel kar bhi kya mil gya use
— Lalit Jha (@lal1tjha) July 13, 2023
So hard to think about his mindset now... Hopefully he hasn't given up and comes back.
— Just for Fun (@just_fun_for) July 13, 2023
When you don’t get selected even after scoring tons and triple tons
— Ravi Arora (@R_Rsa24) July 13, 2023
Then what’s the point ?
A duck or a triple century carries the same importance as far as the select committee is concerned 🤧🤧
— Giridhar Dhananjay (@lifeofgiri) July 13, 2023
it aint easy to perform with same motivation after getting ignored even after scoring loads of runs
— MSDian sarvadnya pawar (@srvdnya_cricket) July 13, 2023
Bcci : It's now the time to select him.
— piyush sharma (@writerpiyush1) July 13, 2023
Selection panel have point now
— Shreee 🔥 (@SriCenax) July 13, 2023
He may have lost interest and hope..
— chris (@vspyagain) July 13, 2023
Proper explanation now available for the selectors who did not take him to west indies
— Sandeep Deshpande 🙋♂️ (@SandeepD1965) July 13, 2023