Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan joins Team India for the first Test against Sri Lanka, starting August 15, 2024, at Galle. Sarfaraz replaces injured Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of the two-match series.
With Sarfaraz’s selection, Indian cricket enthusiasts hope to see a fresh momentum after a challenging year. He expressed his excitement on Instagram, showcasing a leaner look that reflects his concentrated fitness journey.
Sarfaraz last donned the Indian jersey during a disappointing series against New Zealand in November 2024, when India faced a rare home series whitewash. He marked his Test debut earlier that year against England.
Despite not featuring in Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad in 2024-25, Sarfaraz’s domestic success got him back into contention. In six Tests, he has scored 371 runs at an average of 37.10, boasting a century and three fifties, with a personal best of 150.
Impressive performances in domestic tournaments propelled his comeback. He amassed 429 runs at an average of 53.62 in the Ranji Trophy, netting a century and a fifty, with a top score of 227. His T20 prowess shone as he recorded 329 runs at an outstanding average of 65.80 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, punctuated by a century and three fifties.
In a display of his 50-over capabilities, Sarfaraz scored 303 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a phenomenal average of 75.75, blending aggressive batting with strategic skill as he registered a century and two fifties.
A lucrative contract with CSK worth ₹75 lakh followed, though he averaged 23.00 with a strike rate nearing 170, yet he hopes to elevate his game this Test season. His stint in the Mumbai T20 League, where he scored 161 runs in five innings, also contributes to his confidence ahead of the Sri Lanka clash.
Currently, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India stands fifth in the World Test Championship with four wins and four losses from nine matches, holding a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. The ongoing preparations hint at a determined revival in performance as they gear up for Sri Lanka.
The updated Indian squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka includes: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (Wicket Keeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicket Keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, and Sarfaraz Khan.
