Sarfaraz Khan's Test future in jeopardy as Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir plan for next WTC cycle

India’s embarrassing debacle in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia has certainly forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to make some serious overhaul to bring the Test side back into the dominant mode in the traditional format of the game.

India’s next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have started chalking out plans to prepare the dominant Test team to win the next ICC World Test Championship (WCT).

India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 debacle forces overhaul ahead of WTC plans

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight phase of their careers, the Indian selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future, as the iconic batters can soon take a call on their Test futures.

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Days after India’s humbling in the five-match Test series against Australia, it is being said that Sarfaraz Khan's future in India's Test squad is in jeopardy after doubts were raised over his technique against the quality fast bowling, as per a PTI report. Reportedly, Sarfaraz will not be picked for the upcoming England tour.

Sarfaraz Khan's technique against high-speed bowling has come under intense scrutiny following his dismissals in the Pune and Mumbai Tests against New Zealand last year. The Indian cricket team management is reportedly losing confidence in Khan’s abilities to tackle quality pace attacks.

Sarfaraz Khan's Test spot at risk for India's England tour

Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was notably absent from batting drills during several net sessions, hinting at his potential fall in the team’s hierarchy. With the much-anticipated England tour on the horizon, sources suggested that Sarfaraz Khan might be left out of the Test squad.

The PTI report reads: “Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against real quick bowling was always doubtful, but the manner in which he got out in Pune and Mumbai in the home Tests against New Zealand has made the current team management wary. In most of the venues, Sarfaraz didn't even come out to bat during the customary net sessions, an indication that he is quite low in the pecking order.”

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Indian selectors eye impactful performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar ,and Shreyas Iyer fight for Test spots

Meanwhile, India’s three seasoned players could make a strong comeback into the Test team, and they are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, and Shreyas Iyer. Gaikwad’s pedigree is unquestionable despite his struggles in India A matches, while Patidar and Iyer have faced challenges but could prove their worth with strong performances in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

The Indian selection committee is reportedly looking for impactful performances rather than just the number of runs or wickets, and decisions will be made after this Ranji season ends in February. Additionally, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Abhimanyu Easwaran are vying for spots, especially with the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.

Sudharsan, after recovering from surgery, could be a key contender if he maintains form and fitness in the second round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. While there are multiple options for the batting department, India faces a bigger issue in the bowling department, especially pace.

The fast-bowling cupboard looks bare, and names like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna haven't stepped up as game-changers just like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-arm seamers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.

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