Sarfaraz Khan slaps Gautam Gambhir with sensational knock, demands immediate India Test recall

Young batter Sarfaraz Khan, who was left out of India’s Test squad for the England series, began his domestic season in impressive fashion. The right-handed batter, playing for Mumbai in the Buchi Babu Trophy, smashed a century off just 92 balls against TNCA XI on the opening day of the ongoing match.

On Monday, August 18, Mumbai skipper Ayush Mhatre and Musheer Khan struggled with the bat, managing to score just 13 and 30 runs, respectively. However, No. 3 batter Suved Parker scored 72 runs, while Sarfaraz Khan smashed an aggressive century to help Mumbai post a big first-innings total.

Sarfaraz Khan Scores 92-Ball Century for Mumbai Against TNCA XI

After opting to bat first, Mumbai were in trouble early when Sarfaraz Khan walked in at No. 5. The team had lost three key wickets for 98 runs and needed someone to rescue the innings with a batting performance.

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Sarfaraz played with an aggressive approach against the bowlers. He scored a century off 92 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. The right-handed batter also formed a 100-run partnership with Aakash Parkar, helping Mumbai regain control of the innings and build toward a strong total.

Khan, who last featured for India in a Test in November 2024, played a counterattacking innings that helped Mumbai surpass the 300-run mark with ease.

Sarfaraz Khan Eyes Test Comeback After Fitness Transformation

Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England in Rajkot in February 2024, scoring half-centuries in both innings. He followed this with a 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru but struggled in the subsequent matches, losing his spot for the Border-Gavaskar (BGT) series in Australia.

The Mumbai batter was also left out of the squad for the England tour, where India drew the series 2-2 under young captain Shubman Gill. He recently grabbed attention for shedding 17 kilos in just two months, showcasing significant fitness improvement.

Sarfaraz’s exclusion from the England series disappointed many, but with consistent domestic performances, he remains a contender for a Test comeback.

Sarfaraz Khan Not Included in India’s Squad for Five-Match Series in England

Sarfaraz Khan was not selected for India’s five-Test tour of England but impressed while representing India A against the England Lions in the first unofficial Test at Canterbury. He scored 92 off 119 balls with 13 fours. The match ended in a draw, and he did not bat in the second innings.

Sarfaraz has played six Tests for India, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including one century and three fifties. He has also amassed 4,685 runs in 55 first-class matches at an average of 65.98.

With Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan failing to impress in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, Sarfaraz has a strong chance to return during India’s packed home season. The Men in Blue will next play a red-ball assignment against the West Indies at home.

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