The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the ODI and Test squads for India’s impending tour of the West Indies. Noteworthy is the fact that a multi-format series between India and the West Indies is scheduled to commence on July 12. Two Tests, three one-day internationals, and five Twenty20 internationals will be played between both teams. As the BCCI announced the Test squad for the tour, the absence of the 25-year-old Sarfaraz Khan was once again notable. Sarfaraz Khan has been one of the most influential players in domestic cricket and one of the highest run scorers while performing at the height of his ability in first-class cricket.
However, his exclusion from the Test squad infuriated many supporters, who took to social media to criticise the selectors for ignoring the batter’s performances once again.
In response to the supporters’ comments, a BCCI representative has recently explained why Sarfaraz Khan continues to be excluded from the Test squad.
“The angry reactions are comprehensible, but I can tell you with a high degree of certainty that Sarfaraz Khan repeated omissions have nothing to do with cricket. There are multiple reasons why he hasn’t been considered; are the selectors idiots for ignoring a player who has achieved more than 900 runs in consecutive seasons? The Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI official as saying, “One of the reasons is his fitness level, which is not exactly international standard.”
In addition, the BCCI official reflected on the Indian batter’s on- and off-field behaviour and advised him to adopt a more disciplined attitude, as it would be to his benefit.
His behaviour on and off the pitch has not exactly been exemplary. Certain remarks, actions, and occurrences have been recorded. A slightly more disciplined attitude would do him the world of good. The official hoped that Sarfaraz Khan, along with his father and coach, Naushad Khan, would focus on these aspects.
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