With injuries to KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja the Indian team had to make some tough changes going into the 2nd Test of the India vs England series and had included the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Saurabh Kumar as replacements. This was also set for an opportunity for both these players to make their long-awaited Test debut as well. The Indians also had to see which combination would be better and get them a lot of success seeing that they are trailing behind in the series after losing the 1st Test in Hyderabad in the series and will want to make a comeback in this second game.
It also looked like Sarfaraz Khan will finally get his first game for the national side after showing some great performances ahead of the series. Sarfaraz has an average of close to 70 in first-class cricket and the people will be looking forward to seeing him finally get his Test cap. He had first arrived on the scene as a 16-year-old player in the Indian Premier League(IPL). The Test call-up has finally come for the 26-year-old wicketkeeper batter, capable of playing the attacking game against this formidable England team as well.
Sarfaraz snubbed again
Unfortunately, when the playing squad was announced Sarfaraz did not manage to make the final eleven since the three changes in the squad were made. It was Rajat Patidar who finally got his Test cap in place of Sarfaraz in the playing squad. This did not sit well with the fans at all showing their frustration over sidelining the talented player. This is another unlucky moment for Sarfaraz who even after performing and getting his place in the squad, will still have to wait for the Test cap which he deserves.
There is definitely a lot of disappointment among the fans with this decision considering Sarfaraz has been giving consistent performances throughout his career, but the hope is still not lost since there are still 3 more opportunities left where he can still make a comeback. This was a tough choice for the management as well since Rajat Patidar has also got runs under his belt going into this Test series and deserves to make his debut as well. Sarfaraz will look to still give his best performance and finally get his dream debut for the Indian team.
Here’s how the fans have reacted-
Sarfarz again not added playing xi😔
— TaHkEeK. AHMAD.. (@Tahkeek90) February 2, 2024
Rajat patidar ahead of sarfaraz khan .Domestic record don't count now .#IndianCricket #RanjiTrophy#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/jhWaKKZGqL
— خالد (@Villa3102) February 2, 2024
Washi in place of Mukesh
— DRP 🇮🇳 (@its_DRP) February 2, 2024
and
Sarfaraz in place of gill
everyone thought thiis will happend but captain is still in defensive mode
Gill ki jagah pe Sarfraz ko khilate.
— Syed RASHID Ali (سید راشيد علی) (@SyedRashid8548) February 2, 2024
Where is Sarfaraz khan ?
— Alok Jha (@Alok74582208) February 2, 2024
If either of gill or Iyer fail , sarfaraz should come in next match . We should learn from Australia be professional!!
— Gadigayya Hiremath (@girish83966) February 2, 2024
Still no Sarfaraz Khan? Strange indeed. Let's hope all justify their selection for playing for their country. Best of luck Team India. 🇮🇳
— INDRANEEL CHANDRA (@INDRANEELCHAND1) February 2, 2024
Sarfraj ko sir naam ke liye liya hai kya😡
— sultan rajput (@SultanR10962349) February 2, 2024