Sarfaraz Khan faces an uncertain future as the Agarkar-led selection panel has once again excluded him, this time from the India A squad set to play against South Africa A. This omission, delivered on the eve of his 28th birthday, has sparked widespread disappointment among cricket enthusiasts, especially considering his consistent performance in domestic cricket and recent efforts to improve his fitness.
Khan's exclusion is particularly surprising given his prolific run-scoring in domestic cricket. He has amassed 4759 first-class runs in 59 matches at an average of 65. In six Test matches for India, he has scored 371 runs, including a century and three half-centuries. Despite these numbers and having made his international debut last year, he has struggled to find a regular place in the national side.
According to a PTI report, a primary reason for Khan's omission from the India A squad is the return of Rishabh Pant, who is expected to lead the team and reclaim his No. 5 spot, the same position Khan occupies. Selectors are said to prefer Pant over Khan. This leaves little room for Khan in the playing XI, even if he were selected.
Sources suggest that the selectors believe Khan could improve his chances of returning to the team by adapting to a higher batting position. The No. 3 position is seen as an unsettled role in India's Test structure, and Sai Sudharsan has been given an opportunity to prove himself in that position within the India A system. A former national selector suggested that Khan should discuss this with the Mumbai team management and Ajinkya Rahane, potentially trying to bat at No. 3, where he would face the new ball. The selector noted that if Khan continues to bat at No. 5 or 6, he might not be considered, as India has more all-round options for those slots.
Khan's recent performances include impressive scores in the Buchi Babu tournament in August 2025, where he scored 138 off 114 balls against TNCA XI and 111 off 112 balls against Haryana, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite his domestic form, Khan has faced challenges in securing a consistent spot in the Indian team. He last played for India in November 2024 against New Zealand. He was part of the squad that toured Australia but did not play and was subsequently dropped for the England series.
Earlier in the year, after being dropped from the Test squad for the England series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Khan hadn't scored runs after his century. Agarkar also highlighted Karun Nair's experience and domestic form as factors in his selection over Khan.
Moreover, it has been reported that Khan was told he would be selected for the home Test series against the West Indies but was ultimately excluded due to failing to prove his fitness.
Some reports suggest that Khan has fallen behind Rajat Patidar and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the pecking order. Gaikwad, in particular, is in impressive form, having scored multiple centuries in his recent first-class games.
Khan's exclusion highlights the challenges faced by domestic cricket performers in breaking into the national team. Despite his consistent run-scoring and efforts to improve his fitness, he has been unable to secure a regular place in the Indian team. As he approaches his 28th birthday, the road ahead appears uncertain, requiring him to adapt and explore new opportunities to demonstrate his value to the selectors.
