Right-handed batsman Sarfaraz has scored 2566 runs in the last three seasons of Ranji Trophy. He has scored runs in 37 first-class matches in his career at an average of 79.65. In such a situation, the question is being raised about not giving a place in the team of a player who has represented the country twice in the Under-19 World Cup. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been selected in the team, whose first-class career average is close to 42.
“Such angry reactions are understandable but I can tell you that the reason behind Sarfaraz being ignored time and again is not just cricket,” a BCCI official privy to the selection of the team told PTI on condition of anonymity. There are many reasons why he is not being selected.”
“Is the selectors stupid enough to ignore a player who has scored more than 900 runs in two consecutive seasons? One of the major reasons behind not being selected in the team is his fitness, which is not of international standard.
“Sarfaraz will have to work very hard in this matter and lose weight and come back with more fitness. Batting fitness is not the only criteria for selection.”
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According to a BCCI official,
Along with fitness, Sarfaraz’s attitude on and off the field has also not met the criteria of discipline. “His conduct on and off the field has not been of the highest level. Some of his words and expressions have not been good from the point of view of discipline. Hopefully, Sarfaraz and his father and coach will work with Naushad Khan on these aspects.”
It is believed that the selectors did not like the selectors to celebrate Sarfaraz aggressively after scoring a century against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy match against Delhi this year. At that time, the then head of the selection committee Chetan Sharma was present in the stadium. Earlier, his conduct during the 2022 Ranji Trophy final had angered Madhya Pradesh coach and former Mumbai legend Chandrakant Pandit.
