Former India middle-order batter Mohammed Kaif has backed Sarfaraz Khan to make the playing XI ahead of Dhruv Jurel in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Kaif believes Sarfaraz’s ability to play and attack spin makes him a better option for India, especially on pitches expected to assist the spinners.
Mohammed Kaif Backs Sarfaraz Khan for Sri Lanka Test
Mohammed Kaif appreciated India’s decision to include Sarfaraz Khan in the squad for the Sri Lanka tour, as he believes the batter could score plenty of runs in the series.
“Whoever took the call that Sarfaraz Khan should be there in the team, whatever the reason for him being dropped and not picked before that, he wasn’t even being selected for India A, all that happened but whoever took the call of bringing him back in Sri Lanka where there could be pitches favourable for him and he could score runs, usko mera salaam hai bhai (I salute them),” said Kaif in a video on his YouTube channel.
Sarfaraz Khan's Test Comeback
Sarfaraz was last seen during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he was part of the squad but did not get an opportunity to play. Following India’s series defeat, he was not included in the Test squad and was seemingly out of contention for the national team.
Kaif believes Sarfaraz’s exclusion could not have been because of his performances, considering the batter had continued to score runs and had also registered a century against New Zealand.
“There was some reason that he wasn’t being picked but it can’t be performance. It was not like he wasn’t making runs, he scored a 150 against New Zealand. He was playing well, was in form,” said Kaif.
Sarfaraz Khan vs Dhruv Jurel
However, Kaif admitted that India could still prefer Dhruv Jurel over Sarfaraz because the wicketkeeper-batter has been a regular member of the Test squad in recent matches.
Despite that, Kaif believes Sarfaraz should be part of India’s best XI because of his strong ability against spin. With Sri Lanka expected to rely heavily on their spin attack, Sarfaraz’s range of shots and experience against slower bowling could prove valuable in the middle order.
“If they choose to back Jurel since he has been a regular for the past few Tests for India, then Sarfaraz will have to sit out. But if you ask me what the best eleven is, Sarfaraz’s name comes in it. He has a good record of playing spin at Nos. 5 and 6. On his debut against England, it was a slow pitch, but he scored 60 (62) in the first innings before being run out and in the second he made 68 and was unbeaten. He has a range of shots, which might be needed in the fourth and fifth days. He plays with the field and attacks spin,” concluded Kaif.
