"Look at that, an average of 154" - Sarfaraz Khan's Ranji Trophy stats make Graeme Swann and Ravi Shastri go bonkers

Sarfaraz Khan is playing the first match of his international career at the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot where India and England are clashing in the third Test of the five-match series. The 26-year-old batter has an astonishing record in domestic cricket that had Ravi Shastri and Graeme Swann absolutely swooped off their feet. Sarfaraz Khan’s stats in first-class cricket were popped on the screen and Ravi Shastri and Graeme Swann couldn’t help but go bonkers about his astounding average.

Sarfaraz Khan’s average in the Ranji Trophy for three consecutive seasons; 2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23 has been the highlight of his career which has helped him to receive his maiden international stint. He amassed 928 runs in nine innings in the 2020/21 season where his average was 154.66 and then he again went past the 900 mark when he amassed 982 runs in the 2021/22 season in nine innings at an average of 122.75. Sarfaraz then scored 556 runs in nine innings at an average of 92.66 in the 2022/23 season.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann was in awe of the 26-year-old batter’s average when his stats were displayed on the screen during the third Test of the series. “This lad has been making a lot of runs, make no mistake about it. Look at that, an average of 154. Phew. Some of those numbers are absolutely bonkers.” 

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri joined the conversation stating his observations of Sarfaraz Khan. He said, “He’s been banging at the door for some time now. Literally waiting for the selectors to look at those scores and give him an entry, which he has got today.”

Sarfaraz Khan received his Test cap from former India spinner Anil Kumble and the hard work he has done to reach this place has been inspiring. He has played 45 first-class matches and in 66 innings he has amassed 3912 runs at an average of 69.85 which includes 14 centuries and 11 half-centuries with a best score of 301*. Sarfaraz Khan has been knocking on the doors of Indian selectors for a long time and he has finally got his reward.

Sarfaraz Khan should have batted ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, Says Ravi Shastri

“Weighing the options, I would have gone with Sarfaraz. Very straightforward – making his debut, Day 1 of a Test match, good batting conditions and, good player of spin. The only reason you can think [of Jadeja batting ahead of Sarfaraz] is the left-hand, right-hand combination.”

“With the spinners out there, I can understand Jadeja could still get a 100 from here. But someone playing his 1st Test match, you want to expose him, show confidence in him. Go and see what Test cricket is all about and if he passes the test, he will only become a better player,” Shastri said about playing Sarfaraz ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.

India and England are clashing in Rajkot for the third Test of the five-match series and the series is currently leveled 1-1. The hosts lost the first Test in Hyderabad and then made a sensational comeback to defeat England in the second Test in Vizag to level the series. The third Test is an opportunity for both sides to take the lead in this series. India has not lost a Test series at home since 2012 and they would hope to continue their unbeaten run.