Indian middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan has drawn attention from all over the world despite only having played four Test matches in his nascent international career. More so during the first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, where he improved his chances of being selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 by scoring his first international century (150 off 195) after being dismissed in the first innings.
In the meantime, former cricket player Brad Hogg has pointed out a problem that Sarfaraz needs to fix before playing on more vibrant fields in SENA nations or Australia if he is chosen for India’s upcoming tour.
There is one thing that worries me about Sarfaraz Khan’s future: if he travels to South Africa, England, or Australia, where there is more bounce, he might run into some issues because of the way he positions himself before the fast bowler produces. On his YouTube channel, Hogg stated, “Those hands are really low.”
In the Pune Test against New Zealand, Hogg also believed that India should start Shubman Gill instead of KL Rahul.
“I would now bring Gill in to replace Rahul. You must play Sarfaraz in the upcoming game. You need to maintain that momentum after he made a 150 under pressure, almost salvaging the match. Over the past two Test matches, Rahul has had his chances, but he hasn’t taken advantage of them,” he continued.
Since you want a backup keeper, I would choose Jurel: Brad Hogg
Hogg also mentioned another alteration he would make to India’s starting lineup for the second Test. Dhruv Jurel, who replaced Rishabh Pant following the 37th over of New Zealand’s opening innings after taking a hit to the knee, was his preferred option.
“Will they play Jurel or will they keep Rahul in there to handle the keeping if Pant is also unfit? “You want that backup keeper who will be India’s future going forward, so I’d pick Jurel,” Hogg continued.
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If Pant is rested for the second Test in Pune, there are rumours that the team management wants to proceed with Rahul as the glove bearer. His recent batting exploits, meanwhile, haven’t really established him as a reliable option.
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