"Where are runs in big matches" - Deep Dasgupta's bold take on Sarfaraz Khan's call-up
Published - 01 Feb 2024, 03:45 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
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Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta opened up about the delayed call-up of young batter Sarfaraz Khan to the Test team. Deep Dasgupta acknowledged Sarfaraz Khan’s consistent batting form in domestic cricket and India A matches over the last few years.
Sarfaraz Khan received his maiden call-up ahead of the second Test against England. The 26-year-old was included in the team after KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the match due to injury. He has the opportunity to make his Test debut in Vishakhapatnam.
Sarfaraz Khan Scored Runs Recently Against England A – Deep Dasgupta
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Deep Dasgupta emphasized the challenge of squad selection. Dasgupta suggested that Sarfaraz Khan’s late inclusion in the Test side might be due to concerns about his performance in significant matches.
“Credit to him that he has been in good form for the last two to three years. He scored runs recently against England A as well. He was performing consistently but there were two questions,” Dasgupta said.
“The biggest question was in place of whom. We say very easily that this or that player should be there but only 11 can play and the squad can have only 15 or 16. Secondly, there was also this question and I have heard it from a few people that where are the runs in big matches,” he added.
Sarfaraz Khan showcased his batting prowess in recent India A outings against England Lions. He has scored 3,912 runs in 45 first-class games at an average of 69.85, including 14 centuries and 11 fifties. Notably, he has predominantly batted at No. 4 or lower in red-ball cricket.
Quality Of Runs Is Also Important – Deep Dasgupta
The former India wicketkeeper-batter emphasized the importance of considering the quality of opposition when assessing first-class records. However, Dasgupta clarified that his remarks were not directed specifically at Sarfaraz Khan.
“When people talk about first-class cricket, with all due respect, you have 37 teams. You are also playing against some very average teams. I shouldn’t be saying this, it will be disrespectful to some of the teams, but quality of runs is also important. I am not saying this against Sarfaraz,” Dasgupta further stated.
Sarfaraz Khan failed to deliver against quality bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The batter has scored 585 runs in 50 matches at an average of 22.5 and a strike rate of 130.58. He went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction despite a base price of 20 lakhs INR.
Both Of Them Will Get The Same Number Of Chances? – Deep Dasgupta
When asked whether Sarfaraz Khan deserves a Test debut, Deep Dasgupta emphasized that selectors and team management provide opportunities based on a player’s potential.
“At times, the selectors and team management have to be convinced about you as a player and you as a talent. For example, Shubman Gill vs Sarfaraz Khan, do you think both of them will get the same number of chances?”
Also read: Sarfaraz Khan to make his Test debut in Vizag? Harbhajan Singh provides breakthrough update
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