Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his disappointment over Sarfaraz Khan’s exclusion from the India A squad for the upcoming two-match red-ball series against South Africa A, starting October 30. The decision has once again reignited debate about selection transparency and communication between selectors and players.
The 28-year-old Mumbai batter, who has played six Tests for India and scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, was overlooked despite his excellent domestic record and a match-winning century in his last Test series against New Zealand. His omission has left fans and experts puzzled, especially after his remarkable consistency in domestic cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Stellar Record Ignored Despite Fitness and Form
Sarfaraz has been one of India’s most prolific red-ball performers in recent years. He smashed a brilliant 150 against New Zealand when most Indian batters struggled and has maintained a staggering average of 110.47 in first-class cricket over the past five years, scoring 10 centuries and 5 fifties.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Sarfaraz underwent a major fitness transformation, shedding nearly 17 kilograms to meet team standards. He reportedly cleared his fitness test on September 27 — two days after media reports claimed he had failed it. Yet, his name was missing not only from India’s Test squad for the West Indies series but also from the India A lineup for the South Africa A tour.
Despite these improvements, selectors have reportedly expressed concerns about his technique in overseas conditions — a narrative that his strong performance for India A against England Lions (scoring 92 in Canterbury) seems to contradict.
Ashwin Slams Lack of Clarity in Selection and Communication
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed empathy for Sarfaraz, suggesting that the batter might feel the door to the national team has been shut.
“When I examine Sarfaraz’s non-selection, I don’t receive any explanation. I feel very sad for him. He has reduced his weight and scored runs, including a century in his last series. This sort of non-selection makes it seem like someone has decided they no longer want him,” Ashwin said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
Ashwin also highlighted the disconnect between communication and selection, comparing Sarfaraz’s situation to that of former India A captains Subramaniam Badrinath and Manoj Tiwary, who were told they were no longer being considered for the A side despite consistent performances.
“If you say we’ve seen enough of Sarfaraz in India A, that’s wrong — because Abhimanyu Easwaran has played plenty for India A and is still part of the setup,” Ashwin pointed out.
Meanwhile, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan urged patience, backing head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. “Selectors and the coach will always have a plan. Sometimes it might look wrong to fans, but please don’t create false narratives,” Pathan posted on X.
With India set to host South Africa for two home Tests next month, Sarfaraz Khan’s immediate future looks uncertain. Unless he produces something extraordinary in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, his road back to the national team could remain difficult — a situation that continues to frustrate both players and fans alike.
