Revealed: Why Sarfaraz Khan was dropped from Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy opener

Sarfaraz Khan is set to miss Mumbai's opening Ranji Trophy match of the season against Baroda. The 26-year-old middle-order batter has not been named in Mumbai's squad for the first round of Ranji Trophy matches.

It is believed that Sarfaraz will be a part of India's squad for the Test series against New Zealand which is the reason why he hasn't been selected in the squad. India will play a three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. The series will start from October 16.

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Sarfaraz Khan likely to be in India's squad for NZ Tests

According to PTI, Sarfaraz Khan will prepare for the New Zealand Tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He was also a part of India's squad for the Test series against Bangladesh but was released to play the Irani Cup as he did not get a chance in the Playing XI.

The youngster impressed with a magnificent double hundred for Mumbai against the Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He scored 222 runs off 286 balls, which consisted of 25 fours and 4 sixes. With this innings, he gave the selectors a reminder of his ability and showed why he is rated so highly in domestic cricket.

His knock helped Mumbai lift the Irani Cup title after 27 years. Sarfaraz Khan has been around the Indian team for a while now. After initial years of struggle, he was finally able to find his spot in the Playing XI against England earlier this year.

KL Rahul preferred over Sarfaraz Khan

In the Bangladesh Test series, there was a tussle for a solitary spot in India's middle order between KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan and India's team management backed KL Rahul for the role. Rahul was already a part of India's squad earlier this year but got injured midway during the Test series against England.

As a result, Sarfaraz got his chance and impressed in his debut international series by scoring 200 runs in five Test innings at an average of 50. However, he was left out of the next series against Bangladesh due to KL Rahul's return.

Although it is not confirmed that he will get a chance to be a part of the Playing XI, Sarfaraz has presented a strong case for himself. He can be a backup middle-order batter for India in case any emergency situation arises.

Mumbai's first two Ranji Trophy fixtures

The first round of Ranji Trophy matches will begin on October 11. Mumbai's first match is against Baroda. They will then travel to their home to play Maharashtra from October 18. Mumbai will be high on confidence after their recent Irani Cup win over the Rest of India.

Although they will miss the services of Sarfaraz, Mumbai has enough talent in their squad to replace him. Mumbai are also the defending champions of the Ranji Trophy as Ajinkya Rahane led them to a title win last season.

Mumbai squad for opening two matches of Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Shreyas Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (wk), Sidhaant Addhatrao (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias.