Now Reading: Sarfaraz Khan returns to India Test squad for Sri Lanka series
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Sarfaraz Khan returns to India Test squad for Sri Lanka series
Sarfaraz Khan has been recalled to India's Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured opener Sai Sudharsan. The BCCI confirmed Sudharsan's withdrawal due to a stress reaction in…
The Story in Brief
Sarfaraz Khan has been recalled to India's Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, replacing injured opener Sai Sudharsan. The BCCI confirmed Sudharsan's withdrawal due to a stress reaction in his right toe, though he is recovering at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz, who last played a Test in November 2024, was dropped after the New Zealand series and missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Greater Kashmir reports he shed 17kg and trained in Kashmir during the Mumbai monsoon to sharpen his spin play. He faces competition from Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed in the warm-up game, for a spot in the playing XI for the first Test starting August 15 in Galle.
The Indian Opinion
Two narratives circle Sarfaraz Khan: that he was unfairly sidelined despite a mountain of domestic runs, or that his fitness and failure against New Zealand in 2024 justified the axe. Both are one-sided. The truth is he had a poor series like many others, but his 64.73 first-class average and recent 17kg weight loss show he has worked to close the gap. The real test starts in Galle: will he get a game ahead of Devdutt Padikkal or Dhruv Jurel, and can he handle Prabath Jayasuriya's spin?
Sources (2): telanganatoday.com, greaterkashmir.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
