Sarfaraz Khan, India’s rising star, delivered a powerful statement by scoring a century in the Irani Cup. His performance has put pressure on the Indian cricket selectors, highlighting his readiness for the Test squad. Despite consistent domestic success, Sarfaraz has struggled to break into the national Test team. His latest knock shows he’s far from giving up.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Consistent Performance
Sarfaraz has consistently shined in domestic cricket. Although selected for the Test series against Bangladesh, he didn’t get a chance to play. Instead, he returned to domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup. His 15th First Class century in the Irani Cup proved his form and intent. He took just 150 balls to reach this milestone, sending a clear message to the selectors.
Mumbai’s Dominance in the Irani Cup
Playing for Mumbai, Sarfaraz’s innings came at a crucial time. By the end of Day 1, he and Ajinkya Rahane added 98 runs, helping Mumbai reach 237/4. On Day 2, they extended the partnership by 43 runs before Rahane was dismissed. Sarfaraz continued batting with partners like Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, guiding Mumbai to 338/6 by lunch. His century came in the 92nd over, and he stayed unbeaten at 103 from 155 balls.
Joining Legends of Indian Cricket
Sarfaraz’s century places him among cricket greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who also have two Irani Cup centuries each. Other players like Shikhar Dhawan, Polly Umrigar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal share the same record. The top spot, however, belongs to Dilip Vengsarkar and Gundappa Viswanath, each with four centuries.
Eyeing a Place in India’s Test Squad
Despite his form, Sarfaraz remains behind KL Rahul in the selection order. With India gearing up for the T20I series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz hopes to break into the Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His aggressive, yet composed batting style makes him a valuable player, especially in longer formats.
A Clear Message to the Selectors
Sarfaraz’s Irani Cup century speaks volumes. It reminds the selectors of his hunger and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. India’s domestic circuit boasts immense talent, and Sarfaraz’s consistency demands attention. His recent performance pushes the selectors to reconsider their choices for the Test squad.
Conclusion: Sarfaraz’s Path Forward
Sarfaraz Khan’s journey is far from over. His consistent performances in domestic cricket, including the Irani Cup century, prove he is ready for more significant challenges. As India prepares for upcoming series, Sarfaraz remains hopeful of a Test team spot. With his determination and continued form, it may only be a matter of time before he becomes a regular in India’s Test team. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
