Sarfaraz Khan’s Return to Indian Test Squad Brings New Hope
For the past two years, questions have swirled around Sarfaraz Khan’s role in the Indian Test team, despite his impressive performances. However, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes it’s time to put these questions to rest.
Sarfaraz has been called back to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, stepping in for the injured Sai Sudharsan. The 28-year-old last played a Test match in November 2024, where he scored his first Test century in Bengaluru, followed by an impressive 150 in Pune.
Kaif praised the decision-makers who brought Sarfaraz back, highlighting his ability to play well on spin-friendly pitches. “Whoever suggested that Sarfaraz should be included due to his strong performance against spin deserves recognition,” Kaif said ahead of the first Test in Galle on August 15.
After being part of India’s squad for the Australian tour in 2024-25, Sarfaraz didn’t get to play in any Tests. Although he scored 92 runs in a first-class match for India A against the England Lions in 2025, he was not included in the senior team for the five-Test series.
His absence from the squad raised eyebrows, especially when rumors surfaced in January 2025 regarding his name being mentioned in connection with alleged leaks from the team’s dressing room discussions during the Australia tour. However, these allegations were never confirmed.
Kaif urges that it’s time to focus solely on cricket. He emphasized that past issues shouldn’t affect the team’s progress: “The Indian team needs to make decisions that lead to winning and improvement. It’s essential to support whoever made the call to include Sarfaraz.”
Sarfaraz’s performance in domestic cricket has been remarkable. In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, he scored 429 runs with a stellar average of 64.73, bringing his overall first-class total to 5,114 runs, including 17 centuries. Additionally, he showcased a significant transformation in fitness by reportedly losing 17 kg and made a mark in the 2026 IPL with 161 runs at a strike rate of 169.47, which included a quick fifty against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Kaif finds it hard to understand why Sarfaraz’s selection was delayed despite his solid numbers. “He didn’t receive consistent chances, and his dropping caused a lot of speculation. Why wasn’t Sarfaraz getting picked? The reasons were never clear,” he noted. Sarfaraz has participated in only six Tests so far, amassing 371 runs at an average of 37.10, with one century and three half-centuries.
Now, with his return to the squad, Sarfaraz has another chance to improve his record, especially on pitches that favor spinners in Sri Lanka.
– Ends
